Jack Bear Foundation

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Western Springs, IL
Jack Bear Foundation

Supporting Genetic Research for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Recessive Type 15

06/29/2026

🎁 Help Make Our Auction Unforgettable!

The 2026 SCAR-15 Soirée: Research in Motion is just around the corner, and we're looking for unique items and experiences for our silent and live auctions.

Do you have:
🏖️ A vacation home or getaway?
🎟️ Event or sports tickets?
🍽️ A favorite restaurant or gift card?
🛍️ Merchandise or specialty products?
🧖‍♀️ Services or one-of-a-kind experiences?

Every donation helps raise critical funds for SCAR-15 research while showcasing the incredible generosity of our community.

If you or your organization would like to donate an auction item, we'd love to hear from you! Please email [email protected].

Together, we're keeping research in motion. 🧬🧸💙

06/22/2026

🧬Become a SCAR-15 Soirée Sponsor 💙

Join us in keeping Research in Motion.

We’re seeking sponsors for the 2026 SCAR-15 Soirée, an evening dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and supporting families affected by this ultra-rare disease.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels and offer meaningful visibility while helping fund critical research initiatives and rare disease advocacy. With more than 200 guests expected, sponsors play an important role in making this event possible.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Carrie at [email protected] or check out the sponsorship levels at: https://jackbearfoundation.home.qtego.us/

Together, we’re building momentum for what’s next! 🧸💙

06/15/2026

Tickets are now available for this year’s SCAR-15 Soiree: Research in Motion! 🧬💙

Join us on Saturday, September 12th at Chicago Highlands Club for an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and supporting families affected by SCAR-15.

This special event brings together friends, researchers, advocates, and supporters who share a commitment to accelerating discovery and creating hope for those impacted by this ultra-rare disease.

We can’t wait to celebrate the progress being made and the momentum building within the SCAR-15 community!

📅 September 12, 2026
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Chicago Highlands Club

🎟️ Purchase your tickets today at: https://jackbearfoundation.home.qtego.us/

05/26/2026

🎉🧸 The Jack Bear Foundation is excited to participate in the 80th Annual La Grange Pet Parade this Saturday!

This year’s theme is “Marching Through the Decades,” and we’re bringing the 2000s energy to the parade route with throwback hits, gummy bears and plenty of Jack Bear fun. 💿

We’re especially thrilled to have local musician and friend Patrick Gemkow joining us with his musical talents as we celebrate one of La Grange’s favorite traditions!

📍 Look for the Jack Bear Foundation at Float #112
⏰ Pushing off from the parade start around 10:30 AM

Come wave hello, enjoy some 2000s beats, and help us continue raising awareness for SCAR-15 research and the rare disease community. 💙🧸🎶

03/07/2026

⛸️❄️ The Jack Bear Winter Skate is officially SOLD OUT! ❄️⛸️

We are incredibly grateful for this amazing community. Thank you to everyone who grabbed tickets and will be joining us on the ice this weekend.

If you missed out but would still like to support the Winter Skate fundraiser, you can make a donation on our website. Every gift helps move SCAR-15 research forward. 💙🧸

🔗 Donate at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-jack-bear-winter-skate

03/02/2026

❄️🧸 Winter Skate Perk Alert 🧸❄️

This weekend is the Jack Bear Winter Skate, and we’re excited to share that every skater will receive a Jack Bear winter hat as part of their entry!

No need to bring your own hat to stay warm. We’ve got you covered!💙

A special thank you to our local partners at for designing and creating these amazing custom hats. We are so grateful for your partnership and support in helping bring this vision to life.

⛸️ Spots are filling fast, so be sure to secure your tickets before they’re gone: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-jack-bear-winter-skate

02/28/2026

🧬💙 Rare Disease Day 2026💙🧬
🎉The Jack Bear Foundation Turns 2!🧸

Rare Disease Day is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a family learning, adapting, and pushing forward.

Today also marks two years since we created the Jack Bear Foundation, not because we had everything figured out, but because doing nothing wasn’t an option.

In two years, this community has grown in meaningful ways. Conversations are happening. Awareness is expanding. Support is showing up.

Yesterday we set a goal of $2,026. Because of you, we’ve already surpassed it, which we are so grateful for!

If you’ve supported, shared, encouraged, or simply followed along, thank you so much. We’re continuing the $15 for SCAR-15 campaign for the rest of the weekend!

🔗 Donate at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-dollar15-for-scar-15-for-rare-disease-day--2026

02/27/2026

💙🧬 Rare Disease Day 2026 🧬💙

Nine years. That’s how long it took for Jack to receive a diagnosis of SCAR-15. Not for lack of trying, but because the rare disease diagnostic journey can be long, painful, and deeply frustrating when a condition has not yet been clearly defined.

Today, we’re launching our $15 for SCAR-15 campaign because research is the reason we have answers and it’s the path to treatment. The Jack Bear Foundation is currently funding multiple research teams around the globe working to better understand this rare degenerative disorder and move us closer to real therapies.

Our goal is to raise $2,026 today. If you’re able, consider giving $15 for SCAR-15. A small gift, multiplied by many, can help create meaningful progress.

From our family to yours, thank you for standing with us. 🧸💙

🔗 Donate at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-dollar15-for-scar-15-for-rare-disease-day--2026

02/24/2026

They’re here… Jack bears have arrived!🧸

We are so excited to share that Jack Bear stuffed animals will be exclusively available for purchase at this year’s Jack Bear Winter Skate for $35.

As we approach Rare Disease Day and celebrate the Jack Bear Foundation’s 2nd anniversary later this week, this moment feels especially meaningful. It’s a milestone Jack and his siblings have been anxiously awaiting, and one that represents how far this community has come together.

We can’t wait to share these special bears with you on the ice. 🧸❄️

🎟️ Skate tickets are going fast and we sold out last year, so don’t wait to grab yours! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2nd-annual-jack-bear-winter-skate

02/10/2026

The Jack Bear Foundation is so excited to partner with the Orphan Disease Center’s Genetic Counseling Student Exchange (GCSX) Program for the second year in a row! We are proud to introduce and welcome our student intern this year, Brenna McCormick. Over the next 10 weeks, she’ll be working on advocacy projects for the Jack Bear Foundation. Stay tuned for updates on Brenna's work!

Address

Western Springs, IL
60558

Telephone

+13126234317

Website

https://www.jackbearfoundation.org/

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