Andrew's Laughing Gas as the 2025 Heart of Gold Award
Honoring compassion, resilience, and the legacy of bringing joy to children fighting cancer
Whitmore Lake, MI — October 13, 2025
The Bear Factory is proud to honor Andrew’s Laughing Gas as the recipient of the 2025 Heart of Gold Award. This award holds a special place within The Bear Factory, as it was created in memory of Renee McLean, beloved co-founder of the company, whose compassion and generosity continue to inspire the work we do. The award is presented each year to a partner whose mission and values embody kindness, giving, and a lasting positive impact.
Andrew’s Laughing Gas was founded to carry forward the spirit and laughter of Andrew Mercier, a bright, adventurous, and funny child who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia just before his 10th birthday. Known as the class clown, Andrew loved making people laugh, even throughout his courageous cancer battle. During his hospital stay, he was gifted a stuffed unicorn named Dookie that could “fart” with the push of a button. It became a source of endless joy for him, helping him prank nurses, doctors, and family, while reminding everyone that laughter is healing.
After Andrew passed away in 2019, his family and community founded Andrew’s Laughing Gas (ALG) to carry forward his love of humor and practical jokes. Their mission is to give children undergoing cancer treatment a reason to smile, laugh, and just be kids. Since its founding, ALG has provided more than 7,000 special stuffed animals each designed to “toot” just like Andrew’s unicorn, to children battling cancer across the country.
The Heart of Gold Award recognizes the extraordinary work of ALG in bringing joy to children and families when they need it most. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and the belief that even in the darkest moments, laughter can shine through.
“On behalf of the Andrew’s Laughing Gas board, our volunteers and countless supporters, we are honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Heart of Gold Award. We are happy that our partnership with The Bear Factory has allowed us to bring laughter to children battling cancer.” – Paul Mercier, President, Andrew’s Laughing Gas
“The Heart of Gold Award is especially meaningful to us, as it carries the legacy of my mom, Renee McLean. Andrew’s Laughing Gas embodies that same spirit of compassion, turning heartbreak into hope and laughter. The impact they have on children and families is extraordinary, and we are honored to celebrate them as this year’s recipient.” – Keia McLean, Vice President, The Bear Factory
The Pawsitive Impact Awards were created to honor customers and partners who go beyond business, making a difference in communities and inspiring joy. Andrew’s Laughing Gas exemplifies what it means to have a Heart of Gold.
About The Bear Factory
Founded in 2001, The Bear Factory LLC is a Michigan-based, family-owned company specializing in high-quality, customizable plush toys. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and design. Our unique ‘build-your-own plush’ experience allows customers to create personalized stuffed animals, fostering creativity and lasting memories.
Committed to environmental responsibility, The Bear Factory utilizes recycled materials in its products through our Plush for the Planet line. Our mission is to provide exceptional products while educating the next generation on the importance of sustainability and community engagement.
About the Andrew’s Laughing Gas
Founded in 2020, after the passing from Andrew Mercier, Andrew’s Laughing Gas(ALG) strives to bring a bit of joy and laughter to pediatric patients battling cancer. ALG provides one-of-a-kind, remote controlled “tooting” stuffed animals to patients nationwide. Partnering with over 80 hospitals, ALG also provides books, games, toys and crafts to keep activity carts stocked on cancer units nationwide.
Having played such a critical role in Andrew’s care, Child Life Specialists hold a special place at Andrew’s Laughing Gas. Each year scholarships are provided these essential members of a patients care team.