Kathleen A. Casey and her son Barrett “Bear” Krupa with the help of Bear’s grandfather, William Casey and a small band of dedicated volunteers founded Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation in late 1992. Bear fought a courageous 5 ½ year battle against Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer. It was during this time that Bear witnessed first hand the needs of other patients and families battling cancer and suggested to his mother that they should do something to help the other kids. Unfortunately, Bear lost his life to the disease but his dream to help others lives on in the organization that bears his name.

MISSION

To eliminate pediatric cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched by it.

PROGRAMS

1. Research Grants | Are awarded each year nationwide primarily to junior investigative researchers who make meaningful advancements and discoveries towards finding a cure and therapies for various types of pediatric cancer.



2. Information & Support Service Grants | Are awarded each year across the nation to pediatric oncology facilities and organizations for programs or projects that directly impact patients, their families and hospital facilities.

- Last year, 11,546 children were directly supported across the U.S. through these programs and projects.

3. The Small Miracle Program | Supports cancer patients between the ages of 0 to 19, as well as their immediate families that face the many challenges that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer. Our outreach serves both in state and out of state children that are being treated at one of the eight major Chicago area hospitals with oncology departments. Bear Necessities’ Small Miracle Program is unique in that we provide immediate and essential needs of the children and their families, our Small Miracles are on a smaller scale representing a relatively small, simple request for assistance that can truly make a difference.

- About 400 children are diagnosed each year right in the Chicago land area and Bear Necessities is able to meet the needs of the majority of those children.