Machiko no Ishi's copyrighted logo is an illustration of a cute white dog with pink ears sitting on a pink background with cherry blossom flowers and petals, along with Japanese and English text about Machiko's Legacy.

Machiko no Ishi

A California 501(c)(3) Public Benefit Corporation

Mission Statement

ABOUT US

Hospice patient recieves lifelike plush Maltese dog from caregiver.

Image is for illustration purpose only

Machiko no Ishi (Machiko’s Legacy) is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that brings gentle emotional comfort to hospice and palliative care patients through donations of lifelike plush Maltese companions.

We give special priority to patients of Japanese and other Asian ancestry in honor of our founder’s heritage and our limited startup resources — while welcoming and serving all patients and families who may find solace in this small, soft companion.

A gentle warmth at the end of life for all.

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ABOUT US

Founded in her memory

A beloved pet Maltese

Machiko no Ishi was established in loving memory of Machiko Chiba who, during her final months in hospice care for pancreatic cancer, found profound comfort cuddling a lifelike plush Maltese companion resembling her beloved pet Maltese dog, Max.

Inspired by her experience, we carry forward her legacy of kindness by sharing these gentle companions with others. A small gift of heartfelt comfort.

For more about Machiko’s life…

Plush Maltese companions provide comfort to seniors at the end of life and in hospice.

A 24 hour companion

For patients in hospice and palliative care, the gift of a plush Maltese companion can provide health benefits and comfort when in hospice or palliative care situations.

A gift of warmth and love

Machiko no Ishi's plush Maltese companions come in a gift bag with a handwritten message of hope, a comb and care instructions.

Just the right size to cuddle

A pink background with cherry blossoms in the corners and floating petals, featuring Machiko no Ishi's motto: 'A gentle warmth at the end of life for all' in elegant script.

Our Foundation’s Motto

Patient images are for illustration purposes only.

A adorable white puppy sitting on a pink background with pink and white flower petals scattered around depicts the plush Maltese companions [provided by the charity Machiko no Ishi (Machiko's Legacy.)

THE GIFT

The Plush Maltese Companion

Our 14” plush Maltese companion features soft, luxurious “fur,” sparkling eyes and gentle expression with meticulously airbrushed details resulting in a remarkably lifelike appearance.

So soft. Just right for hugging.

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Donate now
Request a plush
Request a plush

What’s Included

🌸 14" Lifelike plush Maltese companion

🌸 Blue crafted paper gift bag

🌸 Handwritten gift card with message of hope

🌸 Metal comb for fluffing

🌸 Care instructions

PATIENT BENEFITS

The Gentle Power of A Plush Companion

Research shows plush companions provide meaningful benefits:

Patient Benefits

🌸️ Comfort to Hold
Something soft to cuddle and keep close

🌸 Unconditional Presence
A universal symbol of love and non-judgmental companionship

🌸 Calms the Body
Helps reduce stress and cortisol

🌸 Eases Fear & Isolation
A steady companion in quiet moments

🌸 Lifts the Spirit
Improves mood and emotional well-being

🌸 Awakens memories
Evokes warmth, familiarity, and comfort

🌸 Supports Peaceful Transition
Helps patients move gently toward rest

Caregiver Benefits

🌸 Sense of Joy Shared
Seeing comfort and joy on their patient/loved one’s face 

🌸 Personal Fulfillment
A sense of relief and accomplishment

🌸 Resonance of Empathy
An emotional connection when verbal communication becomes difficult

🌸 Patient Attunement
A way to connect emotionally without words

Inspired by love. Given with care.

Because comfort still matters.

A cute white plush Maltese dog stuffie sits next to a navy blue gift bag with a ribbon and flowers design, along with a white card that reads "The Best wishes to you." A grooming comb is positioned in front of the card.

Every gift is beautifully packaged

Personal messages from volunteers

A woman in a hospital bed holding a plush Maltese companion donated by Machiko no Ishi, surrounded by her family members in a hospice room with sunlight coming through the window.

Bringing comfort when it matters most

Help Us Provide Plush Companions

3% Cover the Fee

Every $45 donation covers one plush Maltese companion for one patient