At Brave Like Me, we believe that when families face medical challenges—whether it’s congenital heart defects, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, cancer, juvenile diabetes, or other chronic conditions—no one should walk that path alone. This is why we created the Unbreakable Village: our monthly giving community designed to sustain hope, joy, and support for families with children facing complex medical conditions.
What Is the Unbreakable Village?
The Unbreakable Village is more than just a collective of donors. It’s a living embodiment of compassion and commitment. It grew from our heartfelt 39 for 3/9 campaign, inspired by Brayden Otten in honor of his March 9th birthday. Each year, we honor Brayden’s legacy through this campaign. Now, through our Unbreakable Village, we’re taking our impact even further by creating a year-round movement designed to ensure children never feel isolated in their medical journeys. Your participation helps children facing uncertainty and critical illness find hope, build connections and experience moments of uninhibited joy—not just once, but month after month.
By choosing to donate monthly—whether $3.90, $10, $39 or $390—you become a foundational pillar in our community. You empower children facing complex medical conditions to experience real joy, healing, and friendship every month, year after year.
What Does Village Membership Support?
When you join the Unbreakable Village, your gift fuels our three core programs:
Brayden’s Books
Your support delivers uplifting, courage‑filled stories to children in hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide—nurturing hope and literacy in times of uncertainty. Learn more about Brayden's Books here.
Brave Friends Adventures
These accessible experiences, like indoor rock climbing, go‑karting, horseback riding or indoor skydiving, help kids build confidence, resilience, and friendships, all while having fun and feeling fearless. Learn more about Brave Friends here.
Mobile Family Pet Reunion Center
Hospital stays can feel isolating—especially when separated from a beloved pet. Our mobile pet center reunites kids with their furry companions in a safe, comforting space, reducing stress and restoring smiles. Learn more about our mobile Family Pet Reunion Center here.
Living the Village Spirit
Being part of the Unbreakable Village means believing in compassion, courage, and community. Through your support and partnership, you provide:
🌱 Sustainable impact: Small monthly gifts combine into transformational year‑long support.
🤝 Consistent presence: Families always have something to look forward to.
💜 Collective strength: You’re joined by others who share a vision of making life brighter for kids in medical crisis.
🌈 Real‑world change: Every book given, every adventure shared, and every pet reunion made possible radiates hope far beyond the moment.
Stories that Echo the Village Way
A child receiving a new book during treatments feels seen, inspired, and connected—even from a hospital bed.
A teenager, hesitant at first, conquers a zip line or rock wall with friends cheering them on, discovering bravery in laughter and shared triumph.
A hospitalized child gets to hug their family dog again, feeling safe and loved in the midst of procedures.
These moments aren’t possible by chance—they happen because an Unbreakable Village shows up every single month.
“Our favorite thing about participating in a Brave Friends program is the inclusivity. Giving kids the opportunity to participate in activities with other children that understand them.” - Brave Friends participating family
Why It Matters
Families navigating medical challenges face unpredictable schedules, emotional ups and downs, financial strain, and the constant fear of the unknown. When you become a village member, you’re not just giving money, you’re showing your support in ways that make a meaningful impact and instill hope.
“Our family has learned that we can live life to the fullest and thrive (not just survive) despite our medical challenges. Brave Like Me creates a space to allow healing power and support to flow to countless families through your generosity, encouragement and inspiration.” - Brave Friends participating family
How to Join
Joining is simple:
Choose a monthly amount—$3.90, $10, $50, $100 or more—complete the Donate fields, and you're done! Just a few clicks helps make a big difference in the lives of families with children facing health challenges.
Your gift powers books, adventures, and pet reunions.
Celebrate Brayden’s legacy and help extend the Unbreakable Village’s impact all year long.
Whether you give a little or a lot, every contribution fuels stories of joy, bravery, and connection—and reminds families in crisis that they have a village behind them.
Together, We Are Unbreakable
Every child deserves the chance to feel courageous, share in adventure, and embrace a moment of joy—even while facing serious medical realities. When you join the Unbreakable Village, you help make that possible—every month—for real kids, real families, and real futures.
Together we will nurture hope, share strength, and build an Unbreakable Village.
Join the Unbreakable Village today. Donate now.
