CHOPS

This incredible event was sponsored by Project Ed Bear. Project Ed Bear is an all volunteer organization dedicated to providing comforts and needs for pediatric oncology patients in northeast Ohio.

Project Ed Bear originated in 1994 after an 11 year old, Ede Bittle, broke his leg playing football and discovered he had bone tumors, luckily these turned out to be non-cancerous. Inspired by his own fortunate diagnosis and having known what it was like to face the fear of the possibility of cancer, Ede set out to help those who were not so lucky. With the help of family and friends, Project Ed Bear was born and a goal was set to provide a teddy bear for every child diagnosed with this disease at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Now in its fourteenth year, Project Ed Bear continues to make an impact by joining in the care of hundreds of children suffering from this disease. As we’ve grown, we’ve been able to provide so much more than just teddy bears including: movies, books, games, computers, special gifts at holidays, after chemo parties, funding for an annual summer camp (Camp C.H.O.P.S.), and most importantly – Love to the children who face this disease. In 2004, Project Ed Bear was able to finance the remodeling of the oncology/hematology clinic waiting room, now known as the Ed Bear Cave, which includes a play area for young children.

To learn more about Project Ed Bear visit their website at www.projectedbear.org