| Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is
a national organization whose mission is to eliminate pediatric
cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched
by it. |
| Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation,
Inc. (BNPCFI) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in late 1992
by Kathleen A. Casey, President. The foundation is named in
memory of her eight year old son, Barrett "Bear" Krupa, who
died after a courageous five and a half year battle with Wilms
Tumor, a pediatric cancer.
Prior to his death on January 9, 1993, Bear and his mother discussed
and planned the formation of BNPCFI. During his long stay in
the hospital, Bear expressed more concern for other pediatric
cancer patients than he did for himself. He and his mother learned
of the many hidden needs of both patient and family members.
Simple things like having games to play with would go a long
way to lightening the heavy burden the children face. Likewise,
support for basic family needs such as transportation and parking
on the many visits to the hospital remove undue stresses on
an already overwhelming situation.
The foundation's Small Miracle Program has provided a means
to fulfill Bear's mission to brighten the lives of pediatric
cancer patients by granting special requests to them and to
ease the burdens of the families through assistance with some
of the immediate needs that they may be facing while fighting
this physically, emotionally, and financially devastating disease.
Examples of small miracles include: family outings, event tickets,
wigs, phone cards, housing and transportation expenses, special
pick-me-up gifts, etc. The objective is to give children who
suffer from pediatric cancer, who have the same wants and the
same wishes as healthy children, a moment during their courageous
battle when they can forget their illness and enjoy just being
a child. |
| Bear Necessities three main programs
are: |
| |
About
Bear Necessities