Team Braveheart

Our overarching mission is to support the families of children facing illnesses during their stay at Boston's Children's Hospital. At the core of our efforts is the commitment to bring joy not only to the young patients but also to their families, allowing parents and caregivers to prioritize what matters most, the healing and well-being of their children. We actively contribute by consistently restocking playrooms, providing unique and uplifting items to patients.  

Recognizing the incredible support we received during our own challenging times in the hospital, our additional mission is to give back. It's a way of expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support we receive and creating a positive ripple effect, ensuring that the kindness we experience is extended to other families facing similar challenges. Thanks to the generosity of individuals like you, we are empowered to fulfill this dual mission.

We began this drive after Carter’s first open-heart surgery to give back to Boston Children’s Hospital. This year, after his second open heart surgery and many medical milestones across all three of our kids, we’ve been surrounded by incredible support. However, during our inpatient stays, we’ve seen families who may not have the same network. Through this drive, we aim to extend our community’s kindness to them.

Over the years, our BCH fundraising has evolved, but our favorite initiative brings tangible comfort to patients and families. This year, we’re collecting items to brighten hospital stays, whether during busy procedure days or quieter recovery moments. Partnering with the Child Life Specialists, we’re focusing on fun toys to lift spirits and spread joy. Your generosity through the wish list continues to inspire us, and together, we can transform tough hospital days into moments of resilience and happiness. To read more about the 2025 Drive and our new goals please visit the 2025 Drive Page.

We always heard go to Children's they are the best but you never imagine that you would need them or that they would become your home away from home. 

Our journey began when our middle son, Carter, was diagnosed in utero with Tetralogy of Fallot. His first two years were challenging, including one open-heart surgery and five additional surgeries to repair a subglottic airway. In 2025, Carter underwent a second open-heart surgery to replace his pulmonary valve. Thankfully, the new valve has settled beautifully, helping him grow stronger than ever. While it will need to be replaced again as he grows, for now Carter is thriving, enjoying school, friends, family, soccer, baseball, and skiing—just like any other kid. Soon after the start of Carter's journey our very athletic and energetic oldest son Declan was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and Anxiety which has lead us into many different departments for world class care. During these years, we welcomed our youngest child, Jolene, whose spirited personality keeps her two brothers on their toes. Jolene has required her own specialized care through ENT for recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, and a tonsillectomy. In the coming months, she will undergo surgery to help develop an eardrum, using a skin graft taken from behind her ear. We remain hopeful that this procedure will support her long-term hearing and continued growth.Lastly, when you hear Boston Children's Hospital you would never imagine mom being on the list of patients but in 2021 Lori had a Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO) surgery performed at Brigham and Women's by a Boston Children's hospital team. 

All of these diagnosis both big and small fill our days with doctor appointments at the Boston, Weymouth and Waltham location but upon our arrival to all appointments we are greeted by doctors, nurses and staff members who have all become like family. 

"It's when we start working together that the real healing takes place."