The mission of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is to eliminate pediatric cancer and provide hope and support to those who are touched by it. Slalom Chicago held an office-wide campaign to raise funds for the organization, its Teddy Bear Ball, and a family day at the zoo. Slalom and its employees contributed the largest total donation for the event.
Fifteen families from the Chicago area attended the Teddy Bear Ball and were able to enjoy food, games, face painting, as well as a day at the zoo. All costs were covered for the families and great fun was had by all.
Kathleen A. Casey and her son Barrett “Bear” Krupa, with the help of Bear’s grandfather, William Casey, and a small band of dedicated volunteers, founded Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation in late 1992. Bear fought a courageous 5 ½ year battle against Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer. It was during this time that Bear witnessed firsthand the needs of other patients and families battling cancer and suggested to his mother that they should do something to help the other kids. Unfortunately, Bear lost his life to the disease, but his dream to help others lives on in the organization that honors his name.
