OCALA, FL (352today.com) – There are moments in life that remind us just how precious childhood is—moments when we watch our children laugh, play, and dream about the future. And then, there are heartbreaking moments when childhood is stolen away by illness, when dreams are replaced with chemotherapy, and when innocence is burdened with the unimaginable weight of cancer.

In 1981, Bonnie Freeman, a 10-year-old from Gainesville, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Instead of surrendering to the diagnosis, Bonnie decided to fight—not just for herself, but for every child facing the same battle.

Since its inception in 1981, Stop Children’s Cancer has contributed over $19 million in funding to the University of Florida for cancer research. Courtesy: Stop Children’s Cancer

“Back in 1981, we did not have the type of treatments and interventions and chemotherapies that we have today. So, the success rate for curing that type of cancer back then was in the low 30s,” said Christy Gibbons, Executive Director for Stop Children’s Cancer.

At an age when most children were thinking about dolls and recess, Bonnie set a big goal: raise one million dollars to fight childhood cancer. She and her family held bake sales, sold plants, and organized fundraisers to bring hope to others.

“I don’t want other kids and their families to go through all the same things which we had to,” Bonnie wrote in a letter dated July 3, 1983.

Bonnie Freeman wrote this letter about a week before she died. Courtesy: Stop Children’s Cancer

“Probably two weeks or so after her diagnosis, she wanted to start doing something for the other families and the children that were in treatment with her. Even more so, she had the vision to impact the future of cancer treatment for children and families,” said Gibbons. “So, she set out to start Stop Children’s Cancer.”

Bonnie never got to see her dream fully realized. She passed away just one week later at the age of 12. But in the decades since, her vision has lived on. Stop Children’s Cancer has raised $24 million for pediatric cancer research at UF Health Shands, carrying forward Bonnie’s mission to ensure that no child has to endure the same painful journey she did.

“She (Bonnie) would be blown away to know that this community feels her, her spirit and who she represents, and what she was fighting for is very much alive in this community,” said Gibbons.

That fight continues today with the 25th annual Bear-A-Thon, an event that allows the community to help fulfill Bonnie’s dream. On Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., 93.7 K-Country, Wind-FM – 92.5 Gainesville 95.5 Ocala, and 352today will host this special fundraiser. A $40 donation provides a comforting teddy bear or chemo duck for children undergoing treatment at UF Health Shands, while also funding vital cancer research.

Debbie Craig of Chet Craig Plumbing has been donating to Bear-A-Thon for more than two decades. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

“The Bear-A-Thon is a feel-good day,” said Gibbons. “For a $40 donation, you’re going to allow us to give every child at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital who is in the cancer treatment center and their siblings something to hang on to, something to cuddle, comfort them during the process of their treatment.”

Jim Robertson, a board member for Stop Children’s Cancer, has witnessed Bear-A-Thon’s growth over the years. Last year alone, the fundraiser broke its own one-day fundraising record bringing in nearly $129,800.

“Your donation stays right here in Gainesville, funding world-class pediatric cancer research,” said Robertson. “The progress being made in not just survival rates but the clinical trials being funded are cutting edge.”

Laurel (left) and Howard (right) Freeman, Bonnie’s parents, in the studios of Wind-FM in Ocala to discuss the ongoing need to fund pediatric cancer research. Courtesy: Bill Cummings/352today

Robertson, who helped launch Bear-A-Thon 26 years ago, sees firsthand the impact of these donations. “Over 26 years, we’ve seen so many kids and their families. I always marvel at their positive attitudes.”

Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Gibbons has seen contributions ranging from $10 to $10,000.

“It’s very moving to see the number of people who just give from the heart,” she said.

And thanks to improved treatments, many of the children who once received support through Bear-A-Thon are now adults paying it forward. Bonnie Freeman may not have lived to see her dream fulfilled, but her mission continues in the hands of those who believe that no child should have to fight cancer alone.

This Wednesday, let’s stand together for children like Bonnie and so many others. Let’s honor Bonnie’s legacy. Let’s help Stop Children’s Cancer.