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 – providing immediate relief and giving back to the community that supported us during our own moments of need. Together, we aim to create a nurturing and compassionate environment that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those navigating the difficulties of a hospital stay.

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 2024 Drive and our new goals please visit the 2024 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 started when our middle son Carter was diagnosed in utero with Tetralogy of Fallot. The first two years of Carter's life was challenging with one open heart surgery and five surgeries after that to repair a subglottic airway. In the future Carter will need a valve replacement but until that time comes we have enjoyed watching him run, play and compete just like his siblings. 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 into our life and upon her arrival she has continuously kept her two brothers on their toes and makes all inpatient and outpatient appointments very entertaining. Over the years Jolene has needed her own care through ENT with the removal of her tonsils, hearing loss and continuous ear infections. 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."