1 June 2026

By ~ Sanny Mok


Stitched with Love: Bear of Hope 2026


There is something profoundly moving about a handmade gift—it carries the warmth, time, and heartbeat of the person who created it. For the Bear of Hope Project 2026, that warmth comes directly from Melbourne, Australia, thanks to the incredible generosity of Marina Khor-Teoh and her family—her husband Henry and daughter Phoebe. Together, the Teoh family lovingly hand-fashioned and donated 50 beautiful bears to the IWC Pearl of the Orient, Penang. Inspired by Australia’s “Trauma Bears,” these cuddly companions were crafted with a singular purpose: to bring solace to those who need it most.

A Beautiful ‘Twist’ on a Meaningful Legacy
Originally launched in 2023 under PP Janet Chong to comfort pediatric oncology patients, current Club President Dr. Janet Lim and her team revived the project this year with a beautiful new twist. Fifty patients admitted to the Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital (MMCH)—whether an adult or a child—will be gifted one of these handmade bears once they are officially presented to the hospital.
Facing cancer is an unimaginably daunting journey, but these bears stand as a gentle, physical reminder to 50 brave patients that they are strong, they are resilient, and they are never alone.

Dual Impact: Comforting Patients, Building Community
The impact of these 50 bears goes far beyond a comforting hug. They are doing double duty to support the community:

1. Raising Vital Funds: The bears are being put on sale to raise funds for community-centric projects to support the rakyat’s needs.
2. Enhancing Patient Comfort: A portion of the monies raised will be used to replace two seating benches at MMCH, providing a comfortable place of rest for patients and their families during trying times.
   

The official handing over of these special bears will take place on July 25, 2026.

A massive thank you to Marina, Henry, and Phoebe for turning simple materials into beacons of hope. Your generosity has empowered all of us at IWC Pearl of the Orient to ensure that love finds its way straight into the arms of the patients who need it most. Together, we are turning compassion into lasting, meaningful impact.

The act of Love transcends Borders.