Long before this platform existed, there was a legend — of a massive, golden-colored bear said to roam the wooded hills of what is now Kansas. Known to the Shawnee and Wyandot tribes, the Golden Bear was a creature of awe: powerful, untouchable, and mysterious. According to local lore from the early 1800s, it was the largest bear anyone had ever seen, often spotted near rivers and ferry crossings. No one could capture it, but its presence left a mark on everyone who saw it.

At KidsHospitals, we chose the Golden Bear as our symbol because it reflects the very qualities we see in the hospitals and children we serve: fierce determination, unwavering spirit, and the courage to face even the toughest battles.

Just like the bear of legend, we’re building something powerful — not to be feared, but to be respected and remembered. The Golden Bear reminds us that behind every story is a fight worth honoring — and a future worth protecting.