Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

06/09/2026

Meet Wynn🐻💜
Wynn is 16 years old and currently in treatment for lymphoma. As a big fan of musical theater, Wynn requested tickets to see Chicago while it was in town. We were thrilled to provide Wynn and her parents with wonderful seats for the show, along with a Visa gift card to enjoy dinner and pick out souvenirs to remember the experience!

Wynn’s mom shared, “We just wanted to thank you so much for the Bear Hug! Wynn absolutely LOVED it and thinks that Chicago may be her new favorite over Hamilton. Our seats were great and the gift card worked well on my phone. Wynn ended up choosing the Vinyl record as her swag, and we had dinner at Harold's Chicken. Thank you so much again; we very much appreciated this outing!”

06/02/2026

Congratulations to the Chicago Wolves on advancing in the playoffs once again to the Western Conference Finals! 🏒🎉

A special thank you to the Wolves for treating several of our Bear Necessities families to exciting playoff games last week. These experiences mean so much to our families, and they’re excited to cheer on the team again as they take the ice tonight!

05/29/2026

Meet Logan🐻💜
Logan is 2 years old and currently in treatment for a brain tumor. For his Bear Hug, Logan received an iPad, case, headphones and a stylus pen. Logan is a huge Spider-Man fan, so he was especially excited to choose a Spider-Man themed case and matching headphones!

Logan's mom said, "Thank you so very much."

Whether he’s watching his favorite shows, playing games, or getting creative with his stylus pen, Logan’s new iPad will provide entertainment, comfort, and a fun distraction throughout his treatment. We’re grateful to be able to bring him and his family a little extra joy during his journey. 📱🕷️

05/28/2026

Meet Jakiyah🐻💜
Jakiyah is 11 years old and currently in treatment for a relapse of osteosarcoma. For her Bear Hug, she created an Amazon wish list filled with items she’d like to receive. She especially loves all of her new clothes and electric wheelchair, which will help her to get around more easily and comfortably.

Jakiyah's mom shared, "Thanks for everything, We really appreciate it"

05/28/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💜

This month, we honor the strength of our children and families, and highlight the importance of caring for our mental health.

We know that a pediatric cancer diagnosis impacts more than just the body, it affects the mind and spirit too. We’re committed to supporting the emotional needs of our Bear Necessities families through every step of their journey.

We’re proud to partner with counseling professionals who provide compassionate care, guidance and support to our children and families when it’s needed most 🐻❤️‍🩹

05/26/2026

This Saturday 🐻🪩

Join us for the 33rd Annual Bear Tie Ball as we celebrate this year’s theme: Future Forward.

🔗 Reserve your tickets and tables now: donate.bearnecessities.org/event/bear-tie-ball-2026/e768967

Join us for our 33rd Annual Bear Tie Ball as we celebrate this year’s theme: Future Forward, an evening dedicated to strengthening tomorrow for children and families touched by pediatric cancer. 🐻

📅 Saturday, May 30th, 2026
🕛 6pm - Midnight
📍 Four Seasons Chicago - 120 E. Delaware Place

💜 Register today and join our community in supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Commit by March 18th to be included on the formal invitation.

🔗 Register and learn more: donate.bearnecessities.org/event/bear-tie-ball-2026/e768967

05/22/2026

Meet Jacob 🐻💜
Jacob is two years old and currently in treatment for leukemia. For his Bear Hug, he received a Walmart shopping spree, where he picked out some of his favorite items, including a new bicycle and a soccer ball. 🚲⚽️

Jacob's mom said, “We are very grateful for your support and for bringing smiles to children with cancer. You are a blessing. Here are some photos of the gifts we've bought for Jacob so far." (translated from Spanish)

05/21/2026

Turning pain into purpose 💜

In this video Bob and Nicki Fioretti, co-chairs of our 33rd Annual Bear Tie Ball, share their personal journey with a cancer diagnosis and the perspective it gave them on supporting others facing the unimaginable.

Join Bob, Nicki, and the Bear Necessities community for an unforgettable evening dedicated to hope, impact, and moving families touched by pediatric cancer Future Forward.

🎟️ Visit our website for ticket and table information, and learn how you can be apart of this impactful evening: donate.bearnecessities.org/event/bear-tie-ball-2026/e768967