In 1993, Kathleen Casey lost her eight-year-old son, Barrett Krupa (known to all as "Bear") after a five year battle with Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer of the kidney. Before Bear died, he expressed his concern for the other cancer patients who did not have family or the small comforts he was given while in the hospital. He talked to his mom about setting up a foundation to help other victims of childhood cancer.
From that humble beginning Ms. Casey has grown a hugely successful foundation, the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, whose mission is "to eliminate pediatric cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched by it".
Not only does the foundation help those battling pediatric cancer and their families but it also generously supports medical research to find a cure.
Mayor Daley has declared September 24th in Chicago to be Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day in Chicago and will proudly wear his Bear Tie to show his support.
According to Courtney C. Krupa, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Bear Necessities the following events are planned to honor the day: "We will have two small events going on that day, one during the afternoon where some patients and volunteers will come to our offices for some fun art projects. Later that evening, the Auxiliary Board of Bear Necessities is hosting an event at Howl at the Moon. It is also encouraged to “Wear the Bear” (order "Bear-wear here) for kids with cancer not only on this day but throughout the whole month of September being that it is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To learn about all the ways to get involved this month, please visit www.bearnecessities.org."
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