Join Bunky’s Pals

The Story of Bunky Bear

Bunky, the trademark teddy bear for Kids Beating Cancer began his journey to bring love, comfort and companionship to children with cancer, leukemia, and those receiving bone marrow transplants many years ago when he met a young boy named John. John was preparing to receive his second bone marrow transplant for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) that had evolved into the high-risk Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).

He was sad to once again have to go through the 100 plus day transplant process only 10 months after going through his first transplant. At that time, John had to be transplanted at a hospital all the way across the country due to his age and severity of his disease. Bunky and John became inseparable. He was John’s comfort and companion. If Bunky was by his side, all could be tolerated. They were together until the end when John lost his battle at the age of nine after a difficult four-year journey.

John loved his Bunky, and wanted him to live on so other kids would feel safe and loved. Bunky was reborn at Kids Beating Cancer to offer that love to other children. In early years, he was hand sewn and went through several changes as he became a symbol of Kids Beating Cancer.

In 2013, Bunky was redesigned and a new Limited Edition Bunky was created. Over the years thousands of Bunky bears have been delivered all over the US to children battling cancer and other similar life-threatening diseases. John’s spirit lives on through all the joy his pal Bunky brings to every child that receives this soft, cuddly treasured new friend.

Bunky’s Pals

Children who register with Kids Beating Cancer can participate in any of its programs, will receive a cuddly trademark Bunky Bear® nationwide, and blankets, toys and gifts during milestones while on treatment.

Join Bunky’s Pals

In Florida, registered members of Kids Beating Cancer, “Bunky’s Pals” are invited to all Central Florida activities, including seasonal parties and a variety of sporting and other ticketed events. Some of the annual parties are Easter Party & Easter Egg Hunt, Rock ‘N Art Party, Halloween Party and the Holiday Party & Children’s Candle Lighting Ceremony, as well as many other special family centered events throughout the year.

image/svg+xml B