SIR Management’s Bryan Barrish and Michael Giannini Help Bring Christmas to the Children of Bear Necessities
(Chicago, Illinois – January 16, 2012) – For the second year, the staff of both SIR Management and many of their client facilities assisted Bear Necessities in hosting their annual Christmas party for pediatric cancer patients at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County. Last year’s event which was an overwhelming success captured the attention of the Honorable Peter N. Silvestri, Cook County Commissioner, and he joined the festivities this year. On behalf of the entire Cook County Board, Commissioner Silvestri expressed his most sincere good wishes and appreciation to both Bear Necessities and the staff of SIR Management for their generosity and compassion for the patients in the hospital’s cancer wing.
Bryan Barrish, SIR Management’s President commented “I am so pleased and proud that once again our staff took on this project with Bear Necessities. Our staff donated money, purchased & wrapped gifts, and volunteered their time to ensure that over 50 children suffering with a variety of cancers and their families would have a special Christmas.” Barrish added, “our nursing facilities continue to support the communities in which they reside, from working with Bear Necessities, sponsoring school supply drives, participating in Memory Walks with the Alzheimer’s Association and hosting caregiver support groups. Our staff has also done great work with larger projects including the Red Cross on Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami in Japan, and the Earthquake in Haiti early this year.” Michael Giannini, a partner at SIR Management stated “Mr. Barrish and I were so moved by our staff’s response to Bear Necessities that we matched dollar for dollar every donation our staff made to buy gifts and support this event.”
About Bear Necessities
Bear Necessities (www.bearnecessities.org) Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in late 1992 by Kathleen A. Casey, CEO/President. The foundation is named in memory of Casey’s eight-year-old son, Barrett "Bear" Krupa, who died after a courageous five and a half year battle with Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer.
Prior to his death on January 9, 1993, Bear and his mother discussed and planned the formation of Bear Necessities. During his long stay in the hospital, Bear expressed more concern for other pediatric cancer patients than he did for himself. He and his mother learned of the many hidden needs of both patient and family members. Simple things like having games to play with would go a long way to lighten the heavy burden the children faced. Likewise, support with basic family needs such as transportation and parking on the many visits to the hospital remove undue stress on an already overwhelming situation.
About SIR Management
SIR Management, www.sirmanagement.com, provides expert consultation in Long Term Care, through a network of thirteen nursing facilities throughout the Chicago Metro area including Byron, Decatur, Rockford and Rock Island. SIR Management services include Rehabilitation, Advanced Acute Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Alzheimer's/Dementia Care Services, On-Site Dialysis, Hospice Care, Bariatric Care, Respite Care and Adult Day Care.