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About us
We have a passion for helping children with life threatening diseases.
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Our Mission
Focusing on outdoor experiences, Brave Young Hearts provides Adventures to children with terminal or life-threatening diseases....for a chance at normal
What we are about
Have you ever dreamed of taking a trip to somewhere really special? You plan and dream, and dream and plan, and as the day draws near, your excitement and anticipation make you feel like you’re going to burst! Then it happens,... and it’s everything you ever hoped it would be!!!
The roller coaster effect: once you start the ride, you anticipate that first really big hill...and then... You’re off in a swoosh!!!! Excitement abounds!!!! As soon as the ride is over, you want to do that again!!
So it is with children that are enduring the fight against terminal or life-threatening diseases. Maybe, just maybe...they dream and plan and plan and dream of doing something special. This is the reason Brave Young Hearts exists, to grant an outdoor adventure, a chance at normal for these kiddos.
Is there an adventure waiting for someone you know?
MEET THE TEAM
"Papa Bear"
Kerry Slaven
President-Co-Founder
Papa Bear and (Diane Slaven) Mama Bear’s Granddaughter, Bethany, got to go to Give Kids The World (a fantasy village for families of children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses) as part of her “Wish Trip” through Make-A-Wish. After her passing, at age 4 ½, from brain tumors in 2005...the Bears have, for the last 15 years, taken their annual 2 week vacation to volunteer as Papa Bear and Mama Bear at Give Kids The World in Kissimmee, Florida.
Papa Bear also served 9 years as the Journey Coordinator with Joseph’s Journey. Papa Bearresigned from Joseph’s Journey in March of 2015 with a desire to create Brave Young Hearts as a dedication to Bethany.
Papa Bear's mission is to help a kiddo forget, for even one minute, that they are sick, or about hospitals, or their treatments....and see them have a chance at normal!
Chris DeArment
Vice President
Chris has 8 years experience as a Caregiver, and brings that nurturing spirit and desire to serve to Brave Young Hearts.
Diane Slaven-Co-Founder
Treasurer
Diane, (Mama Bear) along with Papa Bear, takes an annual two-week vacation to volunteer as Mama Bear, and Kerry as Papa Bear, at Give Kids The World in Kissimmee, Florida, to honor her first granddaughter, Bethany, who passed away in 2005 at age 4 ½ from brain tumors. Bethany got to go to Give Kids The World (a fantasy village for families of children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses) as part of her “Wish Trip” through Make-A-Wish.
Diane says, "I found healing (from the loss of Bethany) in trying to help others through similar situations."
Jen DeArment
Secretary
Jen has passion for helping others. She has been a teacher of students with special needs for over 17 years, and in addition to helping her students recognize and reach their potential, she greatly values the relationships she builds with the students and their families. Jen and her husband Chris share their passion to help and serve others with their daughter Tabi, and Tabi is graciously following in their footsteps. In addition to her full-time teaching postion, Jen is the Girl Scouts Troop Leader for her daughter's Daisy Troop, and she loves to facilitate the learning and growth of this small but mighty group of girls. Jen is looking forward to contributing to the Brave Young Hearts mission!
Keith Gardner-Co-Founder
Trustee Emeritus
Keith has worked on the board of directors of several nonprofit organizations and been a volunteer for many other groups working with kids over the past 20 years. He enjoys being outdoors and working with others helping them to enjoy the outdoors as well. Thanks to Keith for over 9 years seriving with Brave Young Hearts!
Katie Arpin
Trustee
Greg Arpin
Trustee
Kevin Lester
Adjunct Trustee
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