Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Ramps Up Fundraising

The Grizzly Bear Club, a division of the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF), was called out of hibernation last Thursday to address some dire circumstances facing local families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. “On average, we expect about four children a year to pass away as a result of their diagnosis,” program director Nikki Katz said in her opening statement. “This year, we’ve already lost five kids, and we have two more in hospice with another three in critical condition.” Katz, TBCF’s founder, called the Grizzly Club because she knew she could count on them to react swiftly to ensure that TBCF wouldn’t have to turn anyone away.

The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is an organization that aims to provide for and support families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. They help pay rent and mortgages when parents aren’t able to work as well as expenses like food and, if necessary, funeral costs (which can be as high as $4,000). They’ve sent kids to Lakers games, Justin Bieber concerts, and thrown countless birthday and holiday parties for families that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

“I’m a proud guy. But I had to swallow my pride and ask for help,” said Jeff Zamora, who lost his 5-year-old son Jeff (his namesake) to leukemia almost one year ago. “I have never met any of you, but what you did for my family is incredible. And I’ll be eternally thankful.” Zamora wore his emotions on his sleeve when he shared the story of how TBCS had served his family during the twilight of their young son’s life.