Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

Nine-year-old Ben is in treatment for Ewing Sarcoma. After completing 36 weeks of chemotherapy in August, he got to celebrate his milestone in an unforgettable way.

For his Bear Hug, Ben was honored as the Champion of the Game at the Chicago Bears’ home opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

The celebration began at Halas Hall, where Ben and his family watched their practice from a private suite. Then came a moment they’ll never forget: Ben was invited to ring the bell celebrating the end of his treatment in the middle of the Bears’ final huddle.

After practice, Ben met the players as they left the field, collecting autographs on a helmet the team gifted him. The celebration continued on game day, when Ben was honored on the field and recognized with a special video tribute.

Ben's mom shared, "I can NOT thank you enough for this opportunity. To close out the year we had, celebrating with the Bears is just unbelievable. I never thought it was possible, but this wonderful experience very well could be replacing so many of the heartbreaking memories in Ben’s mind. The game day experience was just as cool! Ben was pumped on the field with no nerves! Thank you thank you thank you! From the bottom of our hearts.”

We are deeply grateful to the Chicago Bears for giving Ben and his family an experience filled with joy, celebration and memories they will never forget.

This is the power of a Bear Hug. Designed specifically for each child and the things they love, Bear Hugs help bring moments of joy and celebration to children and families impacted pediatric cancer.

10/05/2026

At just one year old, Kamden is in treatment for Wilms tumor.

For his Bear Hug, Kamden’s family created an Amazon wishlist filled with items to help make their everyday life a little easier during a challenging time. Through Bear Necessities, they received everything on the list—including a crib, mattress, clothes, an activity walker, toys and an Amazon gift card.

His mom shared: “This experience was so helpful, and alleviated so much stress from our family during this difficult time. Thanks for everything! It meant more than words can describe.”

Kamden’s story is a reminder that when a child is facing cancer, the entire family os on the journey. Sometimes, support looks like bringing joy to a child. Other times, it means easing a practical burden and giving parents one less thing to worry about.

Every Bear Hug is different because every child and every family is different.

Learn more about Bear Hugs and how you can help support children and families impacted by pediatric cancer: https://bearnecessities.org/how-we-help/bear-hugs/

10/05/2026

10/01/2026

October is Walk for the Bear month. 🐻

On October 25th, our community will gather at Busse Woods for something bigger than a walk.

It’s a chance to stand beside families navigating pediatric cancer, celebrate survivors, remember children we have lost, and come together with families, volunteers and supporters who believe no one should face this journey alone.

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month may be over, but our commitment to children and families continues.

Start a team. Recruit your friends, family and coworkers. Join a team. Or walk with us as an individual. Every person who joins us helps create a stronger community for children and families impacted by pediatric cancer.

🗓️ Sunday, October 25th
📍 Busse Woods, Grove 5 | Elk Grove Village
⏰ Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. | Walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Register today, build your team, and invite others to walk with you. Together, we can show families they are never alone.

09/30/2026

Ten-year-old Petros is in treatment for Ewing sarcoma.

For his Bear Hug, he received Pokémon cards, a Pokémon hat and Crocs—and according to his mom, the anticipation became part of the experience.

“Petros was looking out the window every day to see if he had a package! Having something exciting to wait for and the moment he received his cards and other gifts, he really got super happy and feels so grateful!”

Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring extra joy during a difficult time. For Petros, it was having something exciting to look forward to, and knowing that a community of people was thinking of him.

As Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, the reminder remains: awareness may have a month, but supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer is something we can do year-round.

Learn more about our Bear Hug program and how you can help bring moments of joy to children like Petros on our website.

09/30/2026

09/30/2026

This September, during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, we were thrilled to once again partner with fellow local cancer support organizations to bring Brave Boxes to children and families impacted by pediatric cancer. 💜

Created to bring a little extra joy and fun to children living with cancer and their siblings, each Brave Box is filled with comfort items and activities like journals, sleep masks, art supplies, fidgets, and more.

We’re so grateful to all of our Chicagoland partner organizations who are committed to serving families impacted by childhood cancer. We’re honored to be part of this incredible community and to work together to bring moments of joy, comfort, and connection to the families we serve.

Camp Quality Illinois, Cancer Wellness Center, Gilda's Club Chicago, Living Well, Special Spaces Illinois, Sunrise Day Camp-Chicago, Penny Possible, The Dragonfly Foundation Chicago, Waterford Place, Hope for Courage and Wellness House.

09/29/2026

Five-year-old Ben is currently in treatment for Wilms tumor—and he’s a big Cubs fan. ⚾️

For his Bear Hug, Ben and his family enjoyed an unforgettable day at Wrigley Field, including four tickets to a Cubs game, a pregame meet-and-greet with Miguel Amaya, a visit to the radio booth to meet Ron Coomer and Pat Hughes, batting practice viewing, and more.

Ben’s mom shared: “Ben’s Bear Hug was such a gift. Ben loves going to a Cubs game each summer and we weren’t sure how this year would work while he’s in treatment. Bear Necessities partnered with the Chicago Cubs to give Ben and our family such a special experience. Spending a summer night at Wrigley Field was just what our family needed!”

Sometimes, support means giving a family the chance to make a joyful memory—to simply be together, have fun, and enjoy an evening that has nothing to do with cancer. 💜

09/28/2026

Nine-year-old Ellie is in treatment for leukemia.

For her Bear Hug, Ellie enjoyed an American Girl Place shopping spree followed by lunch at the Café for three.

Her mom shared: “Thank you so much for the Bear Hug for Ellie to the American Girl store. She had a wonderful time and said it was the best day ever! Thank you for the memories!”

Bear Hugs are thoughtfully designed around each child—their interests, their personality and the things that bring them joy.

As Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Ellie’s Bear Hug is a beautiful reminder that joy matters, memories matter, and every child deserves moments that make them light up. 💜