HR0311 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0311 LRB103 32574 LAW 62171 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Bear Necessities Foundation on the occasion of its 30th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, Bear Necessities was founded by Kathleen A. Casey following the death of her son, Barrett "Bear" Krupa, who passed away after fighting pediatric cancer for five-and-a-half years; and

WHEREAS, Kathleen Casey discussed creating Bear Necessities with her eight-year-old son during his courageous battle with Wilms Tumor, when he expressed concern for other pediatric cancer patients, showing more concern for others than for himself; and

WHEREAS, Bear Necessities was born from the need of patients and their families for support above and beyond standard medical care; and

WHEREAS, Bear Necessities, through its Bear Hug program, partners with families to make children's dreams come true through a close network of friends, donors, and volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Bear Necessities' work is scientifically backed to produce better psychosocial outcomes for children with cancer, inspiring children to build the strength to cope with their illnesses; and

WHEREAS, Bear Necessities provides patients receiving MIBG radiation treatment with room decorations, soft blankets, toys, and more to be more comfortable and happy while receiving treatment; and

WHEREAS, Bear Discoveries works in tandem to create a world without pediatric cancer, partnering with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to support pediatric cancer research; and

WHEREAS, Since its partnership began in 2022, Bear Necessities has contributed $200,000 to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to make a greater impact in the search for a cure to pediatric cancer; and

WHEREAS, Bear Necessities also provides financial relief to families who qualify for Bear Hugs, partners members of their Young Professionals Board with Bear Hug recipients to cheer them on in their fight against cancer, offers activities in the Chicagoland for their families, offers counseling in partnership with SamaraCare Counseling, and offers Hope Education Scholarships to provide those touched by pediatric cancer with hope for a brighter future; and

WHEREAS, Bear Necessities, from its Chicago headquarters to its Florida chapter in southwest Florida, achieves its mission in helping kids rediscover their childhood while a cure is sought for pediatric cancer; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Bear Necessities Foundation on its 30th anniversary, and we commend the foundation for its honorable mission in giving children fighting pediatric cancer the precious gift of a childhood; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we continue to walk with children and families affected by the tragedy and difficulty of pediatric cancer, and we continue to work towards a world with a cure for pediatric cancer; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we congratulate Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation CEO Kate Tillotson and founder Kathleen A. Casey for helping children with pediatric cancer in the Chicagoland and southwestern Florida communities for 30 years, and we thank them for all they do to fight for a world where no child is touched by pediatric cancer; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation CEO Kate Tillotson and founder Kathleen A. Casey as an expression of our esteem and respect.