Build-A-Bear Workshop® was inspired by Nikki Giampolo, a young girl who loved life, loved children and loved teddy bears. She shared that love by giving bears and their hugs to all those around her, including her doctors. In 2002, at the age of 15, Nikki lost her life to cancer. Her family and friends shared with Build-A-Bear Workshop Nikki's story of courage and her hopes of helping children with cancer. Moved by Nikki's life and the way she lived it Nikki's bear was created and supports children's cancer research and other children's health issues.
Huggable Heroes, like Nikki, are special people who do things both big and small. Nikki's generosity provided the inspiration for our Huggable Heroes program.