“What if…”
It’s such a simple beginning to a question, but this is where curiosity begins. Curiosity leads to dreams. Dreams lead to ideas. And if we are bold enough, ideas become actions.
This entire foundation was born from curiosity and asking questions:
“What if we could give children a way to get lost in a story so they could imagine themselves as the hero?”
“What if kids didn’t have to feel different because of a diagnosis and could show the world, and their best friends, how brave they really are?”
“What if a reunion with a family pet could heal in ways that medicine cannot?”
This year, our curiosity began with Brayden’s Books. After last years’ success of partnering with ten Ronald McDonald Houses, we wondered if we could extend our reach to other Ronald McDonald House locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It felt like a bold idea, but our curiosity drove us to ask “What if? Why not? Let us see.” We packed those first boxes filled with curiosity and hope about how far they would travel and what doors would open.
The first deliveries went to the Ronald McDonald Houses of Cincinnati, Akron, and Cleveland. Next came Hartford and New York City. Brayden’s Books traveled with us anywhere the Mobile Pet Center went.
And then something incredible happened: Trey and Alisa Hendrickson read John's book, I Love You More Than the Moon and All of the Stars, to families at the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House and to families in Jacksonville.
Then another incredible thing happened. Jesse Minter, Defensive Coordinator for the LA Chargers, organized his players to read the same story to families at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House.
Curiosity turned into momentum. Momentum turned into possibility. Possibility turned into progress.
By the end of this month, Brayden’s Books will have reached 25 Ronald McDonald Houses. All because we stayed curious.
We are so grateful that you are part of this Brave Family. Your kindness, encouragement, and belief has carried this mission farther than we imagined.
Be Curious. Be Brave!
In Courageous Gratitude,
John Otten
CEO and Co-Founder, Brave Like Me Foundation
Read more about how our Brayden’s Books program is delivering curiosity and connection.
