Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation was founded in late 1992 by Kathleen A. Casey. 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. The organization’s mission is to eliminate pediatric cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched by it. Currently, Bear Necessities funds pediatric cancer research grants through its Bear Discoveries Program and support service grants through its Bear Empowerment Program nationwide on an annual basis. The Bear Hugs Program, here in Chicago, offers patients comfort & courage through unique, customized experiences bringing some happiness and normalcy to the child and their family while battling cancer.