Bunky’s Pals Patient Services
Children on or recently off treatment who register with Kids Beating Cancer’s BUNKY’S PALS program receive a special Bunky’s Snuggle Box. This custom box includes a soft Bunky Bear, blanket, beanie, socks, T-shirt, and other snuggly items. The BUNKY’S PALS program supports children and their families during treatment and outpatient follow-up years.
In Florida, registered members of Kids Beating Cancer, BUNKY’S PALS, are invited to participate in all Central Florida activities. These include seasonal parties and various ticketed events such as sporting events. Annual parties include the Spring Easter Party, Summer Back to School Party, Prince & Princess Party, Fall Halloween Party, and the Holiday Party & Children’s Candle Lighting Ceremony, along with other family-centered events throughout the year.
BUNKY’S PALS
Kids Beating Cancer BUNKY’S PALS program provides support to the children and their families throughout their treatment process, while in the hospital and their outpatient follow-up years.
- Providing every child with a soft, cuddly Teddy Bear named Bunky, a comfy blanket, cute socks, a Bennie, and a KBC t-shirt
- Providing children while receiving treatment at participating hospitals a decorated, themed hospital room selected by the child.
- Providing weekly meals and fun activities for the children while in treatment at participating hospitals
- Providing a stocked Kitchen and Pantry while children receive a transplant at participating hospitals
- Providing milestone gifts to the children throughout their hospital stay at participating hospitals
- Providing Bicycles for children who wish to ride in Central Florida
- Providing clothing for children who walk in the annual Walk of Heroes at the Hats & Heroes Ball in Orlando Florida
- Providing fun filled seasonal Parties, Activities and Ticketed Events throughout the year for families in the Central Florida area
The Story of Bunky Bear
Bunky, the trademark teddy bear for Kids Beating Cancer, started his mission to bring love and comfort to children with cancer, leukemia, and those receiving bone marrow or stem cell transplants when he met a young boy named John. John was preparing for his second bone marrow transplant due to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) that had progressed to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).
John faced the challenge of leaving his friends, school, and family to undergo a transplant process lasting over 100 days, only ten months after his initial transplant. Due to his age and the severity of his condition, he had to be transplanted at a hospital across the country. During this time, John formed a close bond with Bunky, who provided comfort and companionship. Bunky’s presence made the difficult experience more bearable for John. Unfortunately, John succumbed to his illness at the age of nine after a challenging four-year struggle.
John cherished his Bunky and wanted him to comfort other kids. Bunky was revived by Kids Beating Cancer to spread that love. Initially hand sewn, Bunky evolved into a symbol of Kids Beating Cancer. Thousands of Bunky bears have been delivered across the US to children with cancer. John’s legacy continues through the joy Bunky brings to every child who receives this soft, cuddly friend.
For the Love of John
John’s last Christmas wish was to receive a bicycle, but his family could not afford one. Due to his illness, others thought it was not an appropriate gift for him. Though he received other gifts, there was no bicycle under the tree. John interpreted the absence of a bicycle as a lack of hope, which caused him concern. He believed Christmas should bring joy to children. Symbolizing hope, every child who requests a bicycle will receive one regardless of their condition. Every child deserves hope.
If you would like to sponsor any of the Children’s Programs, email angelica@kidsbeatingcancer.com or click on the link below.
