Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation Bear Necessities deserves recognition for providing “small miracles” to numerous kids with cancer, often giving gift cards, organizing family outings, providing wigs, helping families out with bills and the like. The organization also doles out much grant money—almost $300,000 this year—to support pediatric cancer research and support services around the country. Bear Necessities also deserves props for being a model of efficiency; the group relies on only about half a dozen full-time staffers, plus many volunteers and generous donors. Founded in 1992 by Kathleen A. Casey, the group is named after her 8-year-old son, Barrett “Bear” Krupa, who died after battling pediatric cancer for more than five years. 23 West Hubbard (312)836-BEAR
