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INSPIRATION FOR THE BEAR FUND
In the fall of 2019, Nick and Heather Baker's youngest child Barrett ("Bear") was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer. Bear endured over two years of chemotherapy and eight surgeries, including a liver transplant, to help again reach remission; his resiliency is a source of inspiration for the family and their legion of friends. In 2021, Nick and Heather joined with the Cancer Support Community (CSC) to establish The Bear Fund to provide navigation resource services and financial assistance so every child can Fight Cancer Like a Bear.
THE NEED FOR THE BEAR FUND
In 2021, about 10,500 children in the United States under the age of 15 were diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Here are the challenges their families will face:
- The average cost associated with childhood cancer in 2018 was $833,000 for one child for medical costs and lost parental wages.
- One in four families loses more than 40 percent of their annual household income because of childhood cancer treatment-related work disruption, while one in three families faces other work disruptions such as having to quit work or change jobs.
HOW THE BEAR FUND HELPS FAMILIES
The Bear Fund helps families in two main ways: we provide a nationwide, professionally staffed pediatric navigation program and targeted financial assistance.
The Pediatric Cancer Support Navigator
The pediatric navigator is a licensed professional who provides personalized support and information to make a family’s cancer journey easier.
Assistance Fund
We provide qualifying families with up to $500 to help with the following challenges:
- Medical costs
- Transportation to appointments (e.g., gas cards)
- Rent or mortgage payments and utilities
- Lodging and food during treatment
- Travel and support to pursue treatment options, including clinical trials
The initial sites for this program are:
We also support a limited number of special needs across the country with a special focus on housing during treatment.
THANK YOU!
We have received your donation in support of The Bear Fund. Please check your email (including your spam folder) for a receipt confirming your contribution.
We are so grateful for your support.
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