We were so honored to welcome George Oliphant and his beloved "Bear Bear" to the Secaucus Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital!
Watch as Dr. Ana and Erick work their magic, using time-honored techniques to restore Bear Bear from "worn out" to "wonderful."
We treat every patient with the same love and whimsy because we know it's not just a toy, it's a lifetime of memories.
Check out the video on YouTube!
When Michael was six years old living in Virginia he visited his grandparents (Gran and Granddad) in Texas for the summer. While looking for entertainment, Gran and Granddad took Michael to a parking lot traveling Carnival. An avid basketball fan, Michael chose to shoot hoops for a prize. He was quite good and won! His prize was a very sweet Teddy Bear. A current cartoon with a character named Bill was popular so Michael decided to name his new friend Bill.
Bill and Michael became great buddies and Bill returned to Virginia with Michael where they lived happily until Michael graduated from high school. After graduation Michael moved to Texas to attend college. Michael met a girl. The girl had a dog. The dog attacked Bill and destroyed his face. Bill was in tatters. Michael was devastated. But Bill was precious and Michael held on to his beloved friend.
Fast forward to 2018 and Michael joined the Navy. Bill went to live in a bedroom drawer with Gran and Granddad. Occasionally, Gran would take Bill from the drawer and give him a little hug. Gran wanted to restore Bill and contemplated trying the repair herself, but did not dare do further damage to him. She began searching in her local town and then throughout Texas but found no one willing to do the delicate work of restoring such a beloved teddy bear. So an internet search began and Gran found the Secaucus Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital where he was welcomed with open arms. Bill made numerous friends while in the hospital until he was released and returned to Texas.
Bill would not remain in Texas! When Michael came to visit Gran and Granddad, Bill went home to Japan with Michael! He has met all of Michael’s Navy friends and is having a grand time making Japanese memories.
Bill's next adventure will be to Hawaii where he and Michael will have a new adventure and learn the Aloha culture.
Michael is currently engaged and once he has children, Bill will once again become a child's dream Teddy Bear.
Side note from Gran: To any and everyone who has a beloved precious doll or teddy bear that needs tender loving care, I highly recommend the Secaucus Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital!! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
May 9th 2025
We remember and honor Alba Sánchez, a gifted modista, a cherished member of the Sanchez family, and a beloved part of the Secaucus Doll Hospital legacy.
Alba had a gentle way of bringing things to life with thread, fabric, and her hands. Her work was not only craftsmanship—it was care, soul, and tradition woven into every stitch. For those who knew her, Alba’s presence was calming, her laughter a comfort, and her dedication unwavering.
She gave new life not only to dolls, but to memories. Her hands mended what was broken, and her heart held what others cherished. To the families who brought their heirlooms to the Hospital, she offered quiet reassurance. To those who worked beside her, she was a guide, a friend, and an inspiration.
Though she has passed, the legacy she leaves behind is alive—in every delicate hem, every lovingly restored doll, and every heart she touched.
We carry her memory forward with deep respect and endless gratitude.
With love and remembrance,
The Secaucus Doll Hospital Family
If you would like contact us about your doll or teddy, or schedule an in-person visit, please reach out to SecaucusDollHospital@gmail.com
Please note, visits require an appointment to be made in advance.
Hope everyone stays safe and healthy, and we look forward to hearing from you!
(July 30th 1951 - February 10th 2019)
Today, the little store called Secaucus Doll and Teddy Bear Hospital, you can find broken porcelain dolls and torn teddy bears all waiting to be taken care of. The atmosphere is enveloped in an abundance of emotions and passion and greeted by an equal sentiment on behalf of our team. Whom of which have just received a devasting hit after losing doll repair pioneer Luis H. Casas.
After 5 long years of battle with Alzheimer’s, has finally succumbed to the illness. His years of dedication, compassion, and fervor towards his craft have, however, not gone unnoticed and have touched the hearts of all the members of our team. We are forever thankful to have had him in our lives and to be blessed with the knowledge he left behind. For as long as people want to recuperate and maintain the manifestation of their memories and emotions, we the Secaucus Doll and Teddy Bear team will continue to provide help to the world with all the passion and empathy Dr. Casas left us with before his departure.
May he forever rest in peace and oversee the future of his legacy.
- The Green Team