Grace is 16 years old from Michigan. Grace suffers from several ailments including Epilepsy. She is on several medical machines that keep her alive. Her family experienced a power outage last year and only recourse was to move Grace to a hotel with a generator as the batteries do not last long. We were able to alleviate this stress and concern for the family by buying a whole house generator for Grace’s home. Grace’s family had nowhere else to turn and we were thrilled that we could provide this little bit of comfort to her and her family.

Tanner a 26 year-old young man with Epilepsy from Montana. Tanner was diagnosed with Epilepsy at 18 years old. He has night seizures and is on 3 different medicines to try to control them. His doctor suggested he be tested for a device to be implanted in his brain to stop the seizures. The testing had to take place in Seattle, WA and would take up to two weeks. They family was in need of funds for gas and hotel so that they could stay with Tanner. Seattle is very expensive in the Summer. Tanner was denied help from several charities including Mercy Angels. His parents had to take out a loan for the trip. We were pleased to provide the necessary funds to get Tanner and his parents to Seattle to be able to stay with him during the testing.

Keshawna, 26 year old mother of 6! She works at a nursing home in Peoria and enjoys the medical field. She wants to earn her CNA certificate so that she can better provide for her family. Best of luck Keshawna!

Karlee is attending ICC to work in Radiology and Avery is attending ICC to become a Surgical Technician. Congratulations Karlee and Avery!

Joshua, 25 years old secured an apprenticeship as a Mason. We reimbursed Joshua for the tools necessary to be a success along with hard work in his apprenticeship! Congratulations Joshua.

Keegan is enrolled at IVCC in the automotive tech program. Keegan needed some help acquiring tools for the program. We were thrilled to be able assist Keegan on his path to a full and independent life! Best of Luck Keegan!

Jack a Limestone 2022 graduate is enrolled at ICC for Fire Sciences. Jack is determined to pay for his schooling by working 2 jobs while attending school. He is excited to work and belonging to a firehouse family and working on a team. Jack hopes to volunteer for a local firehouse while pursuing his studies. Jack and family were very grateful for the assistance. Best of luck Jack.

LuShawn earned his GED and is now enrolled in Auto Tech program. He intends to continue his education in Diesel Mechanics and earn his CDL! How impressive. We were able to provide LuShawn with a Mac Brook to help with his studies! Good Luck LuShawn.

Deja is 25 and works for a healthcare facility. Deja’s goal is to earn her CNA certificate from Midwest Technical and continue her education to become and LPN or RN. Her goal is to become a nurse and be a spokesperson for those with a disability to show others that you can do anything if you work hard and put your mind to it. We wish Deja the best of luck.

JonAsia is 18 years old and a Little in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Peoria, IL. She is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field and is enrolled in the CNA program at Illinois Central College this fall. Earning her CNA certificate is JonAsia’s first step as she would like to continue her education and become an LPN or RN. JonAsia is pictured with her Big Sister, Katie. Congratulations JonAsia! We wish you the very best!

Lindsey, 22 years old was awarded $2,500 for tuition at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. She was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 12. Her most vivid recollection of her diagnosis was all the things she was told she could not do: go to concerts, participate in gym, swim, etc. She said it was embarrassing and isolating. Her Dr’s didn’t understand her type of Epilepsy so she was on a variety of drugs that slowed her down and made school very difficult. She is now on one drug that is controlling the seizures! She is enrolled in a 2 year continuous program for Occupational Therapy Assistant. An OTA assess and provides intervention for those with disabilities, disease, old age to allow the patient to provide selfcare, work, play and live an independent life. We wish Lindsey the best in her pursuit of her OTA!

Braden was awarded $2,500 for his tuition at the SLTC Lineman school for the electrical/aerial lineman program for the year 2022/2023. Braden has been interested in the field of construction/trades since his Freshman year. He participated in the Work Based Learning Construction program this past year. We have no doubt Braden will be successful in his selected career.

Kameron was awarded $2,500 for his tuition at ICC for the electrical certificate program for the year 2022/2023. Kameron took classes in Auto Tech, Cabinet making and Production Tech settling on the Electrical field. Kameron plans on pursuing an Apprenticeship once he has earned his certificate. Best of luck in your future Kameron.

“The CNA course this semester is going great it has been somewhat stressful especially being a single mother of two boys, and working. But I’m continuing to push through this semester! Clinicals are coming up next month and I can’t wait to get more hands on experience for this course. I have been studying hard I currently have a high B in my main class and just passed My Alzheimer’s course with an A! I want to thank you and the Bear Hug Foundation again for blessing me with this scholarship so I can move forward with my goals and dream in the medical field!”

Working full time and attending Fall classes. “Classes are going well! Thanks for checking in.” Alexis’s goal is to be a restaurateur!

Wendell, 14 years old was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. He is a growing young man in need of a proper sized bed as his seizures have occurred at night. We were able to procure a queen bed and accessories for Wendell to help mitigate the chances of him getting hurt falling out of his bed if a seizure occurs.

We are pleased to award Mitch Connor a scholarship of $2,500 towards tuition for a technical curriculum in the trades! Mitch is planning on becoming an Electrician. Congratulations Mitch!

Joey, 31 completed his GED and is employed at a light manufacturer, while pursuing his training as a Welder at ICC! Joey’s goals are to become a “top notch welder . . . better my life for myself for my future wife and children.” Outstanding goals Joey! Congratulations!

Congratulations Mitch on starting your Construction Career!

The Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation is excited to advise that we awarded a grant of $1,500 to Ceniyah, a 19 year old attending MTI to earn her CNA certificate! Ceniyah is interested in the medical field and feels this is a good first step. Congratulations Ceniyah and best of luck!

The Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation is pleased to award a scholarship to Cheryl. Cheryl has been working as a direct support professional for the last 5 years. She cares for disabled , elderly or handicapped individuals. She spends 5 or 7 days in a home depending upon the assignment. She has been working 60 plus hours a week so she can support her son and newly adopted niece. Cheryl, knows her heart is in helping others through the medical field. She would like to earn her CNA certificate to enhance her skills and be able to improve her financial position as well as freeing up some time to be able to spend it with her children. We wish Cheryl the best!

We are pleased to announce that we have awarded Dylan a $2,500 scholarship to allow him to pursue his dreams and passion of working with cars. Dylan will be attending Lincoln Tech’s Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program this June. Dylan was diagnosed with Epilpesy at the age of of 9. Since his diagnosis, Dylan just wanted to be “normal” like all other kids. He decided to turn his diagnosis into a strength and a goal . . . “Epilepsy will not hold me back”. Dylan is a very impressive young man. We wish him the very best in the pursuit of his dreams.

The Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation is pleased to advise that we have been able to help over 15 individuals pursue continued education and training so far this year! We are so thrilled that we could help 13 (and counting young women) to pursue their goals of working in the medical field. These young women are currently attending classes to earn their CNA certificates. After achieving this goal, many of these individuals would like to continue their education in the medical field. All applicants have a strong desire to help others, themselves and their families by continuing their education. We have no doubt all the recipients will be extremely valuable additions to the medical field. Congrats and best of luck to all!