Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

We were thrilled to attend Advocate Children's Hospital Park Ridge Peds in the Weeds summer picnic this past weekend. We enjoyed talking with our families and meeting new friends while creating fun crafts and enjoying all of the activities the picnic had to offer. Thank you to Veronika and Haley for joining us and volunteering their time!

Thank you to another sponsor of this year's Golf for the Bear, PFS Specialty Risk Underwriters! We are just a week away from this exciting event.

Patrick is 17 years old and in treatment for ewing sarcoma. Patrick requested to receive a Playstation 5 and a golf game for his Bear Hug. Congratulations to Patrick as he has been very busy the last few months with completing treatment, prom, and graduation! Patrick's dad said, "Thank you so much for the gift and for all of the amazing things that you and your organization do for so many families."

Thank you to the United Union of Roofers & Waterproofers, Local 11 for sponsoring this year's Golf for the Bear! We are so grateful for your support once again.

Zeppy is two years old and in treatment for leukemia. Zeppy and her family loved her Bear Hug weekend experience at the Langham. They enjoyed swimming and watching a movie in the cinema suite. They also loved exploring Chicago and visiting all of the animals at the Shedd Aquarium.

Zeppy's mom said, "Everything on our Langham trip was absolutely delightful. We loved every minute and are so grateful for the time spent as a family. Thank you so so much!"

Thank you so much to the Langham Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium for their support in making Zeppy's Bear Hug so special.

Ezra is 5 months old and in treatment for leukemia. Ezra's parents requested a swing set for Ezra's Bear Hug so that when he is home from the hospital he can enjoy it with his sibling and cousins. So many great memories to be made for years to come!

Ezra's mom reported, " Our son, Ezra was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at just 2 months old. From that day and for the remainder of his treatment we stay admitted here at Lurie’s the majority of the time because he’s so young and that we live 2 hours away. The hardest part of spending so much time at the hospital is being away from Ezra’s sister, Georgie. We do get to go home for visits every month or so and when we do we wanted something special for our kids to play on together and bond. The swingset gifted to us by Bear Necessities gave us that opportunity!! Having this swingset provides Ezra the opportunity to play with his sister and cousins now and for many years to come. We can’t wait for all of the memories they will share!"

Thank you to our Golf for the Bear Birdie Sponsor, Wintrust! There are just a few foursomes left if you'd like to join us on August 12th! donate.bearnecessities.org/golf2024

We are thrilled to welcome Courtney Moore to the Bear Necessities Board of Directors! Courtney said, "I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Bear Necessities Board and to support its mission to bring smiles, strength, and hope to brave children and their families as they tackle the unimaginable challenges of pediatric cancer."

Over 85 Bear Necessities families were excited to enjoy a performance of Circus Vazquez earlier this month. Families loved the opportunity to create fun memories with one another.

A huge thank you to Circus Vazquez for their generosity and support.

Thank you to the Chicago Red Stars for hosting our Bear Necessities families at this past Saturday's match. Our families had a great time, many enjoying their first women's soccer match together. Thank you for providing this wonderful opportunity to our families. So many great memories were made!

Aidan is 14 years old and in treatment for lymphoma. Aidan requested a Chicago Cubs game experience for his Bear Hug. Aidan's day began with lunch and extreme ice cream treats at JoJo's Shake Bar. His family then headed to Wrigley where he was able to go on the field prior to the game to watch batting practice and meet and take photos with all of his favorite players! Aidan and his family then enjoyed the Cubs game followed by an overnight stay at the beautiful Gwen hotel. What an incredible day!! Aidan's mom said, "Bear Necessities gave us an amazing experience as a family! We are truly grateful for everything they have done for us!"

A special thank you to the Chicago Cubs , JoJo’s Shake Bar River North and The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel for their generous support and for putting a huge smile on Aidan's face!

Thank you to our Golf for the Bear Sponsors, Gerald and Jean Forsythe! Want to join us on Monday, August 12 at Wynstone? Register here: donate.bearnecessities.org/Golf2024

Isabella is two years old and in treatment for leukemia. Isabella received a bunch of new toys for her Bear Hug that she can enjoy all summer and a gift card to purchase new clothes. Isabella's mom said, "Thank you so much for everything that you have done to help my daughter. She is so happy with the items that she received."

Happy 4th of July! Wishing everyone a healthy and safe weekend.

Calling all artists and supporters! Check out our exciting sponsorship of the Beads of Courage program by taking part in our Bead Design Contest. Let your creativity shine as you design a special Neuroblastoma bead, spreading hope and joy to children facing this challenging diagnosis.

Join by participating and sharing our Bead Design Contest here: https://bit.ly/4aWvjmF

Carson is 9 years old and in treatment for leukemia. Carson requested memberships to his local waterpark for his whole family for his Bear Hug. He is so excited to be able to enjoy the pool and slides this summer! Carson's mom said, " I just wanted to reach out and let you know how much we appreciate Carson’s Bear Hug! He chose a family membership at our local water park and we have been putting it to good use this summer. Carson was diagnosed with Leukemia last May, so last summer was rough and it was hard for him to not be as active as usual. Now that he’s feeling healthier he wants to do all the fun things! We’re excited to enjoy the sun and the water together all summer long and to see the biggest smiles from him. Thank you so much to Bear Necessities for being so kind and generous to our family!"

Karter is four years old and in treatment for leukemia. Karter requested to go to Medieval Times for his Bear Hug. Karter and eight guests were treated to tickets to the show, a knighting ceremony before the show and a meet and greet with the knights. Karter's mom said, "I wanted to say thank you to you and Bear Necessities for organizing such a great event for Karter. He had so much fun and will remember it forever."

A special shout out to Medieval Times in Schaumburg Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament for their support and creating this amazing experience for Karter and his family and friends.

Thank you to Bayer, who generously supported Bear Necessities and hosted us during a panel discussion about patient advocacy at the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) conference last month. Our CEO, Kate Tillotson, joined Angela and her dad on stage, where Angela bravely spoke about her pediatric cancer journey and what Bear Necessities means to her. Thank you again to Angela's family, and to Bayer, whose sponsorship will provide more Bear Hugs to children bravely battling these diseases.

Ayden is 15 years old and in treatment for lymphoma. Ayden requested a shopping spree for his Bear Hug and received gift cards so that he could purchase new clothes and sneakers.

Ayden's mom said, " The Bear Necessities foundation was a major blessing during this hard time. They provided my son with a $500 shopping spree, in which he plans to purchase designer clothes and shoes once we are released from the hospital. They also assisted me in paying one of my major bills, to help ease the pressure placed upon me. With us living an hour away from the hospital, missing work to be with my son, and driving back and forth the days I do work, this was a MAJOR help! We are very grateful for all that you guys do for people!!"

Sydney is 5 years old and in treatment for leukemia. Sydney received a trampoline for her backyard for her Bear Hug so that she can experience tons of summer fun. Sydney's mom said, "Sydney's Bear Hug was a trampoline, and not only has it been a hug for her but the whole family during a stressful time. It has already brought so many smiles, laughs, and the opportunity for her to continue to be a kid through this new normal and having to stay home. It will continue to bring so much joy this summer and we can't wait to make countless memories as a family all thanks to the generosity of a Bear Hug."

Thank you to the Chicago Sky for providing tickets to our Bear Necessities families at two recent games. Our families had a great time cheering on the team together. Thank you for providing this wonderful opportunity to our families. So many great memories were made!

Colton is 13 years old and in treatment for a brain tumor. Colton loves fingerboarding. He builds his own ramps and competes in various fingerboarding competitions. Colton wanted to attend a Fingerboarding Con in Boston for his Bear Hug. We assisted by coordinating a hotel stay, complimentary tickets for the Fingerboarding Con, and a Visa gift card to use for gas for their drive and additional meals.

Colton's dad said, "Everything was AMAZING! From the people, place, planning!! You're ALL appreciated! This is truly a memory that will live in our hearts."

A special thank you to Hilton Garden Inn in Tewksbury Andover Hilton Garden Inn and 6 Skates for their support and putting a huge smile on Colton's face.

Valentina is 5 years old and in treatment for Wilms tumor. Valentina requested a bedroom makeover for her Bear Hug. Valentina received a new bed, bedding, a bookshelf and an ottoman for her Bear Hug. Valentina's mom said, "We are grateful for such good kindness. Valentina is so happy with her new room."

Paloma is one of our cancer warriors who recently joined us at Bear Tie Ball as a Bear Ambassador. She has been in treatment for leukemia and we are thrilled to announce that Paloma just rang the bell to signify the end of treatment!

Paloma's mom said, " I just wanted to share the news that Paloma has rang the bell! It was last Monday and it was just so beautiful. Thanks again for all that you have done for us. A Bear Hug to you, and all that has brought smiles to my little girl."

A HUGE congratulations to Paloma and her family. 🎉

Please join us for this year's Golf for the Bear on August 12 at Wynstone in North Barrington! Purchase your ticket/foursome or sponsorship today. This event will sell out quickly!
donate.bearnecessities.org/golf2024

Elijah is 9 years old and in treatment for leukemia. Elijah enjoyed a two night stay at Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. In addition to the water park, Elijah's family received Fun Passes to enjoy a variety of activities when not in the water, like the go-carts! Elijah's mom said, "Thank you again for the amazing experience."

A special shout out to Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort in assisting us in making Elijah's Bear Hug dream experience come true.

Juliet is 3 years old and in treatment for leukemia. Juliet enjoyed an American Girl Store shopping spree and lunch with her family at the American Girl Cafe. Juliet's mom said, " The smile on Juliet’s face during lunch with her new doll was priceless! We appreciate all your generosity. The memories will last a lifetime. Here are some pictures of Juliet (and her sister Jaclyn) enjoying the day."

Sanaiah is 9 years old and in treatment for a brain tumor. Sanaiah requested a spa day and dinner with her mom and older sister. Sanaiah's Bear Hug included manicures and pedicures at Tricoci Salon in Oak Brook for the whole family, a delicious dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy Oak Brook (with some surprise gifts compliments of Maggiano's) and an overnight stay at the Embassy Suites Lombard. Sanaiah's mom said, " We can’t thank you all enough for such a great day!!!"

Thank you so much to Tricoci Salon Tricoci Salon & Spa, Maggiano's Little Italy Oak Brook Maggiano's, and the Embassy Suites in Lombard Embassy Suites by Hilton for their generous support and putting a huge smile on Sanaiah's face.