Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a 501(c) 3 national organization founded in 1992 by CEO/President, Kathleen A. Casey and her son, Barrett “Bear” Krupa, who lost his life to pediatric cancer in 1993. Currently, Bear Necessities funds pediatric cancer research (Bear Discoveries) nationwide & The Bear Hugs Program in Chicago that offers patients comfort and courage through everyday acts of caring because of their understanding that the little things do mean a lot.