Frequently Asked Questions

All of Oscar’s programming is funded through private donations, corporate grants and the sale of Oscar Swag.

Once an avid knitter, with Emily’s MS, came pain with the yarn crossing her fingers. A friend had taught her to make sock monkeys just prior to her diagnosis, so she became an avid sock monkey creator! Oscar began as a humble pair of hunting socks, found at a neighborhood farm-supply store. Emily had been creating sock monkeys from the normal red-heel socks and decided to create someone more colorful and representative of her own MS battle. Once created, Emily was known to bring sock monkeys to her family to either announce their names, or to request help in naming the newly sewn individuals. There is an on-going family debate about whether Emily or her dad actually named Oscar…but the name stuck and it suits him well!

Once created, Emily began to bring Oscar out in public to speaking engagements and other MS events. He became more widely known in the local community, but he wanted more attention and asked for Emily to create a Facebook page for him. She happily assisted him with this and together they set out to reach more kids and teens with MS or similar disease.

As Oscar began to meet individuals on-line, they often requested he visit. Of course, it is difficult for a sock monkey to travel unattended, and Emily was not inclined to let him travel alone as she relied on him for love and support. With that in mind, Emily created the Buddies! Orange Buddies are created and sent to those who have been diagnosed with MS, while teal-colored Buddies are enjoyed by those who support someone with MS.

More than 800 Buddies have made their way into the world. Together, they have supported individuals through needle pokes, MRIs (Buddy’s are MRI safe), hospital stays, and even the new rigors of college. They reside in countries across the globe and offer a connection like no other.

Each Buddy is hand-crafted and has its own personality and charm. Oscar still trains each Buddy for the life that lies ahead. Each is capable of listening, hugging, snuggling, traveling in backpacks, and so much more!

Our greatest need is funding and fund-raising. Our budget is small, as far as budgets go, but everything we do costs money and we do not want to transfer those costs to the kids nor their families. If you have ideas and energy to help, please send us a message!

Please use the “Contact Us” button at the top of this page! We are happy to work with matching funds and grants!