The Texas floods have caused horrific damage to the state. The death toll from flash floods that struck central Texas has now climbed to at least 121 people, and an unknown number of others are missing. Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls’ summer camp, confirmed that at least 27 girls and staff were among the dead. Five campers and one adult are still missing.

Rescuers are trying to find the missing bodies through mud-piled riverbanks, debris and a lot of courage. While there’s immense grief behind the unexpected loss of lives, due to floods, in an unusual attempt, a devastated Texas mother, Stacy Stevens, is desperately hoping to recover her late daughter Mary Barrett Stevens’  favorite friend, a cherished brown Jellycat “Fuddlewuddle” monkey.

As per The New York Times, Mary, an 8-year-old camper, was among 27 children who drowned on July 4 when sudden floods overwhelmed the remote all-girls Christian camp. In a Facebook post—later removed—Stacy pleaded: “We lost my daughter and would love to have [the monkey] back, as it was her most prized possession.”

The cute brown toy can be identified by a square sticker bearing Mary’s full name, and Stacy urged anyone who finds it to reach out. Though it’s unclear whether the original toy has been found, the Lost Stuffy Project, a nonprofit dedicated to reuniting families with lost plush toys, reported sending a replacement to her mother, Stacy, very soon. 

Little Mary, who attended Highland Park Elementary in Austin, is lovingly remembered as a kind, joyful child with an “infectious” laugh, according to a GoFundMe campaign supporting the family. Her mother, Stacky Stevens, previously shared a heartfelt tribute in the Austin American‑Statesman: “You have left the most positive impact on everyone who knew you… I will never stop loving you and trying to live life as you did: fearless, enthusiastic, compassionate, and full of joy.”

For those who remain unaware, Camp Mystic was established way back in 1926 and is situated between the banks of the Guadalupe River. Mystic is located near the geographical center of Texas, 18 miles northwest of Kerrville ( via campmystic). Each summer, Mystic holds extensive camps for the girls where they indulge in fun activities that help them develop confidence, grow spiritually, and make cherished memories. 

Meanwhile, Stella Thompson, a 13-year-old girl who survived the floods at the same camp, spoke to the media and explained the situation. You’d see kayaks stuck in trees,” Stella recalled. “It was kind of horrific. It didn’t look like Camp Mystic anymore,” she added.

Meanwhile, Stella Thompson’s mother, Casey Thompson, said she was overwhelmed with prayers and sighed a sign of relief. “We’re just so thankful Stella is safe,” she told KXAS. “But we also know that not every family got to bring their child home. That brings a mix of relief and deep sadness.”

It’s a shame that the horrible floods just took away so many innocent lives, little and lively girls who came with the sole idea to rejuvenate. As the Stevens family mourns privately, camp staff and local volunteers continue rescue operations.