"Bears make life more bearable. They are remarkable company when one is alone. They can lose just about any part of themselves and still maintain their dignity and worth."

With those sentiments in mind, Abigail was created for the sole purpose of raising awareness and funding for breast cancer. Almost all of you have been touched by a friend or relative who has had to endure this much-feared and devastating disease.

Gail -- a friend, mother, wife, sister, and daughter -- died in 1996 after a four-year battle with breast cancer. Abigail was created and named after Gail to represent not only her but all of the women out there who are fighting for their lives.

Abigail was designed and created by David Greenberg, who has been making bears for special occasions as a hobby for the past several years. He has crafted her of plush, caramel mohair, with a burgundy ribbon and three small silk roses affixed to her hair. On the outside of her furry chest, she proudly displays her lace heart. A beaded ankle bracelet proudly identifies her as Abigail.

As a teddy bear, her appeal transcends age, sex, religion, colour, and international boundaries. Her life ambition is to be a tireless worker for breast cancer research with the support of an army of distinguished volunteers.

In May 2000, Abigail’s army of tireless cancer survivors and volunteer activists launched our inaugural “An Evening with Abigail.” The synergy was high and the success overwhelming. The event was repeated again in 2001 and 2003. Close to half a million dollars has been raised to date, but this is only the beginning. Please join us to fight the fight to help bring us one step closer to finding a cure for breast cancer and all women’s cancers.

Abigail will continue to wage war on cancer and bring us one step closer to finding a cure so that our daughters and grand-daughters will not have to face the devastation of this formidable killer.