Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.
Support organization
Bear Necessities serves children and young people affected by pediatric cancer and their families through several programs with different gates. Its Bear Hugs pathway combines a customized wish or experience with a $500 Family Support Services benefit for qualifying patients ages 0–19 who live in Illinois or receive treatment there, while a live self-referral form and hospital-social-worker route are available. Separate programs provide treatment-room comfort items, virtual and Chicago-area family activities, subsidized counseling during treatment, survivorship, or bereavement, and annual Illinois scholarships for eligible first-year students. Families do not pay for these services, but public pages do not publish processing times, activity calendars, or capacity. A footer mentions a Southwest Florida chapter, yet the current site does not publish enough program or access detail to extend offering eligibility there.
Helps pediatric-cancer patients and families create meaningful experiences and receive practical, emotional, and educational support.
Illinois-centered wishes, practical aid, family activities, counseling, comfort items, and scholarships for pediatric-cancer families.
A personalized gift or experience built around your child's interests, sometimes including the whole family.
Helps with: Practical Items And Home Help, Wishes And Family Experiences
Where: Local rules apply
Care team must start: No
Up to 12 counseling sessions per participating family member, including the first appointment. The program covers the full cost or what insurance leaves.
Helps with: Bereavement And Memorial Support, Mental Health Therapy
Where: IL
Care team must start: No
$500 for gas, groceries, transportation, utility bills, or other essentials through the Bear Hug program.
Helps with: Household Bills And Cash Assistance, Meals And Food, Travel And Transportation
Where: IL
Care team must start: No
$5,000 education scholarships for the first year of study after high school.
Helps with: Scholarships And Survivorship, School And Learning
Where: IL
Care team must start: No
Room decorations, blankets, toys, and comfort items during high-dose MIBG treatment.
Where: Local rules apply
Care team must start: No
Free virtual yoga, crafts, bingo, scavenger hunts, dance parties, and other family activities.
Helps with: Peer And Emotional Support, Wishes And Family Experiences
Where: Local rules apply
Care team must start: No
Donated family outings such as sporting events, theater, and museum visits.
Helps with: Wishes And Family Experiences
Where: Local rules apply
Care team must start: No
Organization details were last verified Aug 24, 2026. Program availability can change.
