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Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation raises $700,000+
Joseph and Lynn Palmisano of Barrington | Photo courtesy of Mila Samokhina
EVENT: 19th annual Bear Tie Ball “Rhythms for a Reason”
BENEFITING: Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation
DATE: March 10, 2012
LOCATION: UIC Forum, Chicago
ATTENDED: 750+
RAISED: $700,000+
Article Extras
Updated: May 7, 2012 5:18PM
Chicago based charity, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation hosted its 19th annual Bear Tie Ball “Rhythms for a Reason” on March 10. Over 750 guests gathered at the UIC Forum for the gala raising over $700,000 for children with cancer.
Roe Conn, American talk radio host of The Roe Conn Show with Richard Roeper and Val Warner, co-host of ABC 7’s Windy City LIVE were the masters of ceremonies for the evening. The night of live and silent auctions including one-of-a-kind patient artwork, raffles, and lots of dancing.
The evening’s program included the presentation of the William J. Casey Hope Award honoring The Urso Family and The Chicago Blackhawks, for their dedicated support and commitment towards Bear Necessities’ programs and mission.
Bear Hug Ambassador, Lawson Frank,13, shared his incredible story of battling pediatric cancer and how Bear Necessities’ Bear Hug Program impacted his life. Eric Boydstun of Houston, TX shared his story being a parent of a child battling pediatric cancer.
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is dedicated “to eliminating pediatric cancer and to providing hope and support to those who are touched by it.” The organization’s three programs are:
Bear Hugs Program | Supports cancer patients (ages 0 –19,) as well as their immediate families that face the many challenges that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer. Our outreach serves both in state and out of state children that are being treated at one of the nine major Chicago area hospitals with pediatric oncology departments. A Bear Hug is a customized experience that brightens the life of a child going through cancer. The Bear Hugs Program also provides immediate family support for financial burden and essential needs.
Bear Discoveries | Each year, medical research grants are awarded nationwide primarily to junior investigative researchers who make meaningful advancements and discoveries towards finding a cure and therapies for various types of pediatric cancer.
Bear Empowerment| Each year, support service grants are awarded across the nation to pediatric oncology facilities and organizations for programs or projects that directly impact patients, their families and hospital facilities.
For more information, please visit: bearnecessities.org
