June 29, 2006, Washington, DC – During its first visit to Children’s National Medical Center, Bears 4 Kids presented more than 60 bears to children suffering with cancer and other blood-related illnesses. The presentation, sponsored by The International Economy Magazine, also featured inspiring words by Colonel Timothy L. Walters, based at the Pentagon.
Wheeling a cart over-flowing with bears into the children’s rooms, Col. Walters, a 24-year veteran of the United States Army brought along his 17 year-old niece, Erika Walters. Erika shared her personal battle with childhood leukemia, with which she was diagnosed at age five. “Seeing the children is inspiring,” said Erika. “I don’t think of it as sad.” Erika has been in good health for the past 12 years. She stood as living proof to the children that they could face this fight and win.
“I always said that if I had an opportunity to give something back, I would,” said Col. Walters who knows first-hand the intense and hard-wrought challenges of childhood cancer, as well as the challenges of the battle-fields of Iraq. “I feel so fortunate and so thankful that my niece is here with me today. I’m grateful to be able to do this for the children.”
Bears 4 Kids Founder and President, Joseph B. Sprung said, “By giving to those who are stricken by disease, I always realize how blessed I am. When our nation is at war, there is nothing more empowering than bringing a smile to those who need it most.” Mr. Sprung is a noted financier and philanthropist. He is a resident of both New York City and Westhampton Beach, New York. “We are honored and privileged to have Col. Walters and Erika join us,” he continued.
“One mother of a newly diagnosed six-year old girl met Erika and Col. Walters and knew there was hope,” said Lynn Hardesty, manager of patient and family support for the department of hematology and oncology at Children’s National Medical Center. “She saw that girls do survive to grow up to be beautiful young women. It made everyone’s face light up.”
The International Economy Magazine was the generous corporate sponsor of Bears 4 Kids’ visit to Washington. “We are pleased and honored to lend our name to such a worthy organization,” said Angela Wilkes, managing editor of the publication. “Bears 4 Kids brings so many smiles to sick children. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this.”
Bears 4 Kids was founded in 2002 by Joseph B. Sprung who still serves as the organization’s president. For more information about Bears 4 Kids or this event, please call 212-935-1555 or email info@bears4kids.
