Dear Friends, 

As we come to the close of our fiscal year,  I would like to extend my most sincere and heartfelt thanks to our Donors, Board of Directors, Staff,  Volunteers and the children we serve who continue to inspire us each day.

At the end of June our Board of Directors and Staff convened for our Annual Meeting where we determine our funding for much needed research and empowerment grants all across the United States.

This year we funded nine incredible research projects spanning the country and in many critical areas of childhood cancer.  We were invited to be lead donors for the "Children's Oncology Group Every Child Initiative" under the direction of Dr. Peter Adamson, Chief of the division of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Chair of The Children's Oncology Group. We are honored and very proud to place our name on this project which will make great strides for our children. 

Twenty-seven empowerment grants were also funded to partner hospitals and organizations serving the pediatric oncology population across the United States. For 19 years, Bear Necessities has been supporting these empowerment grants for programs and projects that directly impacts patients, families and hospital facilities.  Although, there are countless programs and projects that we would like to continue to support, Bear Necessities will now re-focus its efforts to make a larger impact on the underfunded research programs and projects across the nation. Over the last 20 years we have seen an increase in children being diagnosed, more children relapsing, only two new drugs have been developed  for childhood cancers and sadly fewer and fewer dollars, less than 4% of all dollars for research,  made available for these kids.  Our Bear Hug Outreach Programs however, will be expanding in the coming year and the dollars raised will stay in communities nationwide to support empowerment grants, therefore making our reach even wider.

We are excited to be embarking on another year, with many innovative ways to increase our funding through events, collaborative efforts and sustaining much of what we have proved to be successful. None of this would be possible without each and every one of you.  And for that we are grateful!

Please, continue to support this much needed cause and be an advocate for these brave and innocent children!

Warmly,

Kathleen  

The Bear Necessities Bangle of Wishes bracelet is constructed of a silver bangle with a hook to secure, accented with purple glass beads, silver beads, and a purple Swarovski crystal in the center. 

Ian with his friends

Ian's family is an extremely caring and generous family that actively supports charities and non-profit organizations.  Having volunteered with Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, it came as a huge shock to the family when their son Ian, was diagnosed with brain tumor at just 17 years old. Being the huge Blackhawks fan that he is, Ian asked Bear Necessities if they would help arrange something special with the Blackhawks for his Bear Hug. Ian attended a game with 3 of his close friends, where he received a personalized Blackhawks jersey and a VIP tour of the locker room. 

Ian is sitting in Marian Hossa's locker after the game

Attached is a picture of Ian with his very favorite new jersey in the Blackhawk's locker room in Marian Hossa's locker area - he was thrilled with all the events that evening and was so appreciative to get "THE" tickets for the hottest game this season!  He did not get a chance to meet Marian Hossa but the evening was perfect at every other level and he got to enjoy with 3 of his closest friends.  He was happy, too, that his hair finally grew back after being bald for several months so that is why this picture is really one of his favorites as well.

Thank you for making a difference!

Ian's Mom 

Thank you Blackhawks for always providing so many amazing Bear Hugs to kids like Ian! Special thank you also goes out to Zoni organization for partially sponsoring Ian's Bear Hug!

AUGUST 18TH

Hammer Open Charity Classic is hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Margaret Mary in Algonquin. This annual golf outing has raised over $144,000 for various charities over the past 13 years. This year, Bear Necessities is honored to be one of the recipients of the Hammer Open Charity Classic. 

Sunday, August 18

Golf Club of Illinois

Algonquin, IL 

Don't miss this great 3v3 soccer tournament for girls and boys U9 - U14! The one day tournament will be held from 9AM - 5PM on Saturday, July 20th at Olympic Park in Schaumburg, IL with proceeds benefiting Bear Necessities and tournament hosts, the Twelve Oaks Foundation.

Saturday, July 20

Olympic Park 

Schaumburg, IL 

9AM - 5PM 

CLICK HERE for additional information. To sign up your team CLICK HERE. 

We are so grateful to many caring students, teachers, principals and PTOs for growing our Bearlanthropy School Project "Kids Helping Kids". So many wonderful ideas were implemented for a good cause: penny drives, variety shows, staff vs. student basketball shoot-outs, bake sales, talent shows, auctions, games, and so much more. We would like to send our sincere thanks to the following schools who raised funds for the brave kids battling cancer within the last three months:

Brentwood School

Budlong Elementary School

Children of Peace School - Notre Dame School

Francis W. Parker School

Lake Zurich Middle School South

Liberty Elementary School

Lincolnwood School

Marion Jordan Elementary School

Mundelein Consolidated High School

Ridge Elementary School

Warren Township High School - Warren Girls' Soccer Team

William E. Denver Elementary School

Wilmington High School

Booth School of Business - the University of Chicago

Elmhurst College - Schick Hall

Midwestern University - Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity