OCALA, FL (352today.com) – North Central Florida Media, through its stations 93.7 K-Country, 92.5/95.5 Wind-FM, and its digital platform 352today, is rallying support for the 26th annual Bear-A-Thon.  This one-day fundraising blitz, running from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, raises money for Stop Children’s Cancer, a nonprofit whose mission is embedded in its name.

While teddy bears and “chemo ducks” bring immediate comfort to young cancer patients, the funds raised target a greater purpose: finding a cure.

RELATED: You can help fulfill a 12-year-old’s dying wish to find a cure for cancer

Alongside this effort, Turtles Fly Too (TF2) is amplifying the mission of Stop Children’s Cancer through a dedicated transport initiative honoring the legacy of Bonnie Freeman, whose family founded the organization.

A Mission for Bonnie and the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

TF2’s mission transported 60 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from the New England Aquarium to marine medical facilities across Florida. President and CEO Leslie Weinstein, a long-time friend of the Freeman family, has dedicated the mission to Bonnie Freeman’s memory. Diagnosed with T-cell leukemia at age 10, Bonnie’s determination to help others sparked the founding of Stop Children’s Cancer.

“This is a small way for us to honor Bonnie’s memory and the incredible work her parents continue to do,” Weinstein said. “I am proud to dedicate this mission to them, knowing how much they’ve accomplished in Bonnie’s name.”

Since its inception in 1981, Stop Children’s Cancer has contributed over $23 million in funding to the University of Florida for cancer research. Courtesy: Stop Children’s Cancer

Bonnie’s legacy lives on in the organization’s accomplishments, including raising over $23 million for pediatric cancer research at UF Health. Thanks to these funds, the survival rate for Bonnie’s type of leukemia has surged from less than 50% to over 90%. Dr. William Slayton, Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at UF Health, emphasized the program’s transformation:

“Through clinical trials, the cure rates for the type of cancer Bonnie had have dramatically increased. Stop Children’s Cancer has also funded an endowed professorship, which has allowed us to bring in top researchers,” said Dr. Slayton.

Turtles in Flight, Saving Lives

TF2’s mission highlights the interconnected efforts of environmental conservation and cancer research. Each turtle transported during the mission represents the commitment to care, rehabilitation, and a fresh start—much like the hope brought to children battling cancer through Stop Children’s Cancer’s initiatives.

Howard (left) and Laurel (right) Freeman, parents of Bonnie who died in 1983 from Leukemia at age 12, carry on her wish to Stop Children’s Cancer. Courtesy: Bill Cummings/352today

Laurel Freeman, Bonnie’s mother, reflected on her daughter’s legacy:

“When she got sick, Bonnie focused entirely on Stop Children’s Cancer. She was a here-and-now person, pouring her heart into making a difference for others.”

The mission specifics included two transport days, Dec. 12 and Dec. 13, involving four Florida facilities, including The Turtle Hospital in Marathon and Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Rallying the Community for the 2025 Bear-A-Thon

Jim Robertson, board member for Stop Children’s Cancer and former General Manager of K-Country and Wind-FM, underscored the importance of Bear-A-Thon:

“Your donation stays right here in Gainesville, funding world-class pediatric cancer research,” Robertson said. “The progress being made in survival rates and clinical trials is cutting-edge. We hope listeners and readers will contribute to these incredible researchers, as well as the bears and chemo ducks, which bring much-needed comfort to the children.”