By Emily Kennedy, Marketing Chair
At the heart of every story is the power to uplift, encourage, and transform. That belief is the driving force behind the Brave Like Me Foundation and its heartfelt initiative, Brayden’s Books: a giving program that brings hope, bravery, and strength to children and their caregivers across the country.
Through a powerful partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities and children's hospitals throughout the United States, Brayden’s Books is making a meaningful impact, one page at a time.
More Than Just Books
Brayden’s Books is a carefully curated program designed to connect children and families with stories that resonate, heal and inspire. The books selected for this collection are handpicked for their messages of courage, resilience, friendship, and hope—qualities that children facing medical challenges need most.
Every child who receives a book through the Brayden’s Books program gets to keep it forever. Whether they’re staying at a Ronald McDonald House while receiving treatment or spending time in a hospital room, they are gifted with more than a story; they’re given a token of strength they can carry with them.
How the Program Works
The Brave Like Me Foundation partners with Ronald McDonald House locations and pediatric hospitals nationwide. Each location receives a thoughtfully stocked collection of books, including stories full of courage, teamwork, resilience and hope. The goal is simple, yet powerful:
Every child receives a book they can call their own—one that reminds them to be brave, to believe in themselves and to nurture compassion and friendship.
These books are available to children and caregivers at no cost, offering moments of escape, comfort, and inspiration in what can be some of the most challenging times of their lives.
The Power of Storytelling
Behind Brayden’s Books is a story of personal strength and a desire to give back. It’s a mission born from understanding just how vital emotional and mental support is during challenging medical journeys—especially for children. By putting empowering stories into young hands, our Foundation creates a ripple effect of resilience and positivity that lasts long after the last page is turned.
A National Impact
With partnerships across Ronald McDonald Houses from coast to coast, Brayden’s Books is reaching thousands of children and families each year. Our goal for 2025 was to partner with 10 RMD locations, but we have already blown past that goal and are proud and humbled to share that Brayden’s Books have been delivered to 25 locations and counting so far this year! Here are just a few of the locations we’ve delivered books to so far:
- Cleveland and Akron (RMH)
- Hartford, CT (RMH)
- Queens, NY (St. Mary’s)
- Savannah, GA (RMH)
- Orlando (RMH)
- Cincinnati (RMH)
- Indianapolis (RMH and Riley’s Children’s Hospital)
- New Orleans, LA (RMH and Hog’s House)
- Las Vegas, NV (RMH)
- Lexington, KY (RMH)
- Louisville, KY (RMH)
- Los Angeles (RMH)
- Jacksonville (RMH)
Sharing the Cause
We have been blessed to have some pretty amazing support in 2025. From Cincinnati to Los Angeles, we’ve had the opportunity to make magic for families who need it most alongside some incredible NFL players and staff.
Trey and Alisa Hendrickson have joined us at RMD locations in Cincinnati and Jacksonville to share a reading and spend time visiting with kids and their families, spreading messages of bravery, hope and resilience.
Derwin James, Junior Colson, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Coach Jesse Minter, Coach Steve Clinkscale and Coach Marcus Woodson of the Arkansas Razorbacks joined us at RMD Los Angeles for an unforgettable night including dinner and a book reading.
As this program continues to grow, fueled by generous donors, thoughtful volunteers, and a shared belief that bravery is something to be nurtured and celebrated, we invite you to join us and follow along as we continue spreading our mission to as many states, hospitals, and most importantly, as many kids as possible.
How You Can Help
Want to be a part of our incredible mission? Here are a few ways to support Brayden’s Books:
- Donate: Your contribution helps provide more books to more children. A $10 donation provides one book from our collection.
- Spread the Word: Share the story of Brayden’s Books and help amplify its reach. Follow us on social media, or sign up to receive our newsletter.
In a world where courage often comes in the smallest packages, Brayden’s Books is a reminder that even the simplest gifts—a story, a book—can be powerful tools of hope. Through our collaboration with Ronald McDonald House locations across the U.S., Brave Like Me is ensuring that every child facing hardship has a reason to believe in themselves—and a story that tells them they’re not alone.
