Keegan’s Wish Frog

In 2021, Build-A-Bear hosted a Make-A-Wish® event for Keegan, an 18-year-old wish kid whose wish was to partner with Build-A-Bear to raise awareness for liver cancer. Keegan's Make-A-Wish experience included him visiting Build-A-Bear World Bearquarters in St. Louis, MO, to create his own furry friend for liver cancer awareness. Designed by Keegan himself, Keegan’s Wish Frog has green and yellow fur with the green liver cancer awareness ribbon on its left paw pad. ""I wanted something that you can physically have in your hand and that people who can relate to my situation or not can enjoy for themselves,"" Keegan said. Keegan also helped designed two liver cancer awareness T-shirts to accompany his Wish Frog. While most wish kids overcome their illnesses, Keegan lost his battle with liver cancer—but not before he was able to see his vision come to life. ""For someone to find a little bit of hope or a little bit of community by seeing this frog, really it's all about connecting with that inner child,” Keegan said. “Making this wish—yes, it is my wish and yes, it is about liver cancer awareness—but also making it bigger than that. It's endlessly beautiful."" Keegan's wish created a legacy of everlasting hope for children with critical illnesses.

In honor of Keegan's Wish Frog and his Make-A-Wish experience, Build-A-Bear Foundation donated $15,000 to the UPMC Liver Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.