Bear Necessities Small Miracles

Small Miracle Program

Small Miracle Wish List
May 9, 2008

There is a new way to sponsor Miracles! For those who are interested in purchasing items for Bear Necessities’ kids; you are invited to check out this list each week. Bear Necessities will feature 5 Miracles or Family Support Services for donors to sponsor. It is a great way to get involved and have a personal connection to the Miracles. These are all Miracles that kids or families have requested this week. Your support is greatly appreciated.

To ensure that only item is purchased, please call the Bear Necessities office, before obtaining any items to ensure your sponsorship (Call Caroline at 312.836.2327 x25 or email at cshields@bearnecessities.org).

1. Four Cubs tickets
2. $150 gift card to Mall of America
3. Brookfield Zoo annual membership
4. Limo ride
5. Overnight stay at downtown hotel

Please note, if you are interested in purchasing one of the items, you are responsible for buying the item and sending it to the office. All donations will receive proper acknowledgments for tax purposes.

The goal of the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's Small Miracle Program is to support pediatric cancer patients and their families as they face the many physical, psychological, and financial challenges that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer. The program is only for residents of Illinois OR patients who are being treated at an Illinois facility listed on the BN website. Currently, other regional areas are being explored to expand the program's outreach.

The program consists of two components:

Doing something special for the child
Providing supportive services for the family

Funding for large group activities, parties and support groups does not fall under the guidelines of the Small Miracle Program, but should be applied for under the foundation's Information and Support Services grants.

CarePages are free, personal, private Web pages that help family and friends communicate when someone is receiving care. Visit www.carepages.com/bearnecessities to learn more.

We'd love to follow your progress. Please invite us to your CarePage by adding us to your email list - cshields@bearnecessities.org

Small Miracle of the Week - May 9, 2008

Meet Jack . . .

Jack is feeling good and has a lot to smile about these days. He has regained his energetic lifestyle. Jack was diagnosed with Burkitt's leukemia over a year ago at U of C Comer Children's Hospital. He just turned four and has been one tough guy through his treatments and diagnosis. Jack is the type of kid who is chatty with his nurses at the hospital, but as soon as the doctor comes in the room, mums the word. He even gets shy when one of his nurses is wearing a lab coat - it is quite adorable and very telling of many kids his age. Jack enjoys collecting toys, playing at the park and constructing his Lego's. Jack has been involved with Bear Necessities for some time - his first Miracle request was for a credit at Beyond the Reef so that he could design an extraordinary fish tank at his home. When there was progression with his diagnosis, Bear Necessities knew that more support was needed and so a second Small Miracle was in line. This time Jack asked for a party with his extended family at Chuck E. Cheese. His parents, Jack Sr. and Cathy said "everyone kept commenting on how good he looked and how much energy he had-and that is all we can ask for right now!" It is good to know that we all have a lot to smile about! Special thanks to Lisa Leamy, Jack's Small Miracle Maker!

Small Miracle Backpack Sponsor - Real Living Helios Realty

We are grateful to Real Living Helios Realty for stepping forward to sponsor the Small Miracle Backpack Program that was kicked-off in July, 2006. The program provides all eight Chicago Hospitals with a pediatric cancer oncology department a supply of our backpacks to be distributed to children upon diagnosis or shortly thereafter. The backpack is filled with information to assist the families and child and it also includes our signature "Barrett" Bear. Real Living Helios Realty offers clients a fresh perspective on real estate in Chicago, through innovative technology, creative marketing ideas, and savvy, intelligent market analysis. Real Living Helios Realty is a member of the nation's most dynamic real estate network. Ranked in 2005 as the country's Most Innovative Real Estate Brokerage, Real Living is the industry’s technology leader. Using the latest tools -- including video podcasts, text message alerts, real-time communication, and other web-based marketing innovations -- our agents connect buyers and sellers quickly and easily, across Chicago and beyond. For more information, visit www.RealLivingHelios.com.