The mission of the Shadow Buddies Foundation is to provide emotional support through education regarding illness, disability, or medical treatments. The foundation accomplishes this mainly through unique programs designed to enhance the lives of children and adults and increase compassion and understanding of differences. In pursuit of that mission, the foundation will continually raise funds, develop new programs, and build relationships between organizations with complimentary goals. Shadow Buddies are condition-specific dolls designed to be a friend "just like me" for seriously ill or medically challenged children. The Buddies not only provide comfort to the ill child, but also provide physicians a hands-on method of educating newly diagnosed children and their families about a particular disease or medical condition and its treatment. Shadow Buddies are also a unique form of play therapy. The Buddies remain with the child throughout their treatment, providing long-term psychological support. Each Buddy wears a smile on its face and has heart eyes for love. Our goal is to help these children view themselves in a positive manner.