11-year-old Naperville youth meets YouTube stars through Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Ryan Collins, an 11-year-old boy from Naperville, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August 2018.

The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a 27-year old Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer while providing hope and support to families and helping kids to rediscover their childhood through customized experiences called "Bear Hugs," reached out to Ryan's family to coordinate his special "Bear Hug."

For his "Bear Hug" in January, Ryan was able to travel to California to meet YouTube sensations Collins and Devan Key.

According to his mother, "I think these two young men are great. Their family opened their home to us and made him comfortable the second we got there. I'm very thankful to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to hang out with Ryan."

Ryan not only met his favorite YouTube duo but was also given the opportunity to tour their home and recording studio.

"I received the best Bear Hug ever," said Ryan. "It was amazing - Collins and Devan are so funny and really tall. We even had a Nerf war, which was the best!"

To learn more about Bear Necessities and the Bear Hug program, visit www.bearnecessities.org/bear-hugs/.

A "Bear Hug" is a customized experience that brightens the life of a child going through cancer. Every "Bear Hug" is different because every child is different. The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation works with the child and their family to design a "Bear Hug" that meets their unique needs and interests.

Any children, infant to age 19 currently in treatment, living in the state of Illinois or being treated at one of the nine major Chicago area hospitals with pediatric oncology departments qualifies for its services. The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation also serves some Illinois hospitals outside the city of Chicago, as well as Illinois patients who are hospitalized out-of-state.

Frequently requested items include: grocery gift cards; gas gift cards (BP or Shell); American Girl gift cards; Kohl's gift cards; H & M gift cards; Lego Store gift cards; Legoland gift cards; and gift cards to the Wilderness Resort, Kalahari Resort or other Wisconsin Dells Resorts

If you are interested in helping fulfill a child's Bear Hug by purchasing items, funding a special experience or making a designated donation to this program, please contact Amy at (312) 214-1200, ext. 25, or alemay@bearnecessities.org