Pictured in an ambulatory surgery patient room at Canton-Potsdam Hospital are Lisa Losey; Vivian Coburn; and Beverly Rascoe with donated furry friends and homemade get-well cards.

POTSDAM -- Six-year-old Vivian Coburn recently visited Canton-Potsdam Hospital to donate stuffed animals and get-well cards to children recovering at the hospital.

Coburn celebrated her birthday as many girls would, with family, friends, cake, ice cream and lots of giggling, but she asked her friends to bring a new stuffed animal to donate. Instead of playing pin the tail on the donkey, guests created homemade get well cards.

“When Vivian was two years old she made an unexpected visit to the emergency room, where she was welcomed with a teddy bear to ease her anxiety and provide a sense of comfort; that experience inspired her to do the same for other children”, said Sarah Coburn, Vivian’s mom.

“Vivian and her friends Ava, Ella, Emily, Haley, Madeline, Molly and Winnie are special little girls. It’s heartwarming to see them embracing and enjoying philanthropy so early in life,” she said. “I’m very proud of each of them.”

“I’d like to thank Vivian for her thoughtful donation,” said Beverly Rascoe. “She put herself in another child’s shoes and truly understood the nature and purpose of her donation. I have no doubt these stuffed animals will be appreciated and loved by our young patients,” she said.

To donate to the hospital contact Tracy Jarvis at tjarvis@cphospital.org or 261-5401.