Carrie Pike
Carrie Pike is the founder of Carrie Bears, a company that helps family members honor loved ones who have passed on. By taking something associated with the deceased --a shirt, a favorite blanket, a uniform -- and creating from it a 20-inch teddy bear, Carrie has found a way to bring tangible comfort to those experiencing loss. Carrie is passionate about helping others through the healing process of grief. Hundreds of individuals have come to Carrie for a bear and have left with lighter hearts after sharing their burden with this compassionate listener. One of the highlights of Carrieās mission of healing came when she teamed with the Caring Connections and several volunteers from the Salt Lake City community to make grief bears for the fallen New York City firefighters and police officers following the attacks of 9/11. Carrie was able to visit with some of these families in person, an experience that deepened her appreciation for others and her reverence for life. In addition to her work with Carrie Bears, Carrie has also spent the past 20 years in the insurance industry. She is an active community volunteer and has served for the past ten years on the board of Caring Connections, a program to bring hope and comfort in grief. She resides in Salt Lake City with her husband, Steve, and their five sons.