Our Board and Staff:

Dedicating ourselves to G.I.V.E.:

Daphna Bottcher: (founder)
"We are proud to have a positive effect on the lives of the children and young people with Type 1 diabetes. Kids with Type 1 diabetes are remarkable! They require a strength beyond what most of us can comprehend as they battle this horrific disease each day of their life. It is especially joyful to bring people together who don't take good health for granted, people who realize that society is shaped by the contributions of many who have overcome adversity in their lives, as adversity brings knowledge, and knowledge wisdom. These people really care about all children and want to make a difference in the lives of our courageous young people. They realize that if we want our young people to be prepared when society needs them, we need to be there for them when they need us."

Linda Bird:
"As an educator at Children's Mercy Hospital, 'Kids With Courage' is a shiny, bright spot in my life because I get to see first hand the joy of children and families when they receive a 'Crate, Full of Courage' provided by the Kids With Courage Foundation.. All are so appreciative of the encouragement and it helps them immensely with coping and knowing that others really care. Many families crave the connection with others and being involved with 'Kids With Courage' is the perfect way to strengthen their confidence with day-to-day diabetes care. I am honored to serve on the board and will continually support and give 'Courage' to children and their families."

Sheila Blaschke:
"I am involved in the 'Kids with Courage' Foundation in an effort to ease the transition from a life without diabetes to a life with diabetes. This disease is an emotional stress for the patient and their families. I never want anyone to feel alone when they are dealing with the day-to-day maintenance of diabetes. My beautiful daughter, Alexa, was diagnosed when she was 11 years old and her unbelievable strength and courage in dealing with this dreadful disease has inspired me to be more compassionate to those who are dealing with this challenge every day of their life!"

Alyse Bredemeier:
"I’ve lived with diabetes since I was four, so when I first got in touch with Kids With Courage, I immediately appreciated it’s purpose. Now, as a nurse on the floor that takes in newly diagnosed children at Children’s Mercy, I literally see the impact this organization has. For my patients, I try to give medical information, infused with personal experience, to help my families cope with their diagnosis, and Kids With Courage’s crates have been such a blessing in this venture. I see what these crates do. Every day, I see the impact they have. It’s one thing that helps a family see a glimmer of light in a seemingly dark future. It's tangible hope in the form of books and resource materials, helpful items and a cuddly soft bear. My hope and prayer is that every child and young adult diagnosed with diabetes can reach the same end that I have. Diabetes has not stopped me from reaching my fullest potential, and with organizations like Kids With Courage, I have faith that children and young adults with diabetes will know that diabetes should never stop them from doing what they want to do, either!"

Dr. Mark Clements:
"I became involved with Kids With Courage because, as a physician working with children and families affected by type 1 diabetes, I am INSPIRED by their courage, optimism, motivation, and resilience. They are experiencing a life-changing moment that can be scary, and filled with uncertainty. Kids With Courage has responded to that time of uncertainty with such a simple idea: give every child and teenager diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a Crate Full of Courage. The crate says "You are not alone. There are many of us, though you haven't met us, who are supporting you. We want you to feel the strengthening power of community." As a physician, I feel humbled to be granted permission to be a part of each child's- and each family's- journey into this new era filled with new questions, new concerns, new hopes, and strange daily rituals (like poking fingers, pushing buttons, and practicing arithmetic at all meals and snacks)."

Cyndy Cohoon:
"The reason I am involved with Kids With Courage is that I get to deliver the Crate Full of Courage to the kids and families who are feeling alone in this huge diagnosis. When I walk into a room with that crate and tell them that a dedicated family who has experienced just what they are going through has made the basket possible so that they do not feel alone and lost… every face in the room lights up! That hooked me right there and then. I cannot remember when I … on my own had enough gumption to go forth with an idea as strong as Kids With Courage. So, I wanted to join them. I feel every courageous child and family who have to face this condition should have a grass roots foundation to help them through the tough times. It is an honor for KWC to allow me to join their force."

Carie Cothran:
"Being a part of 'Kids With Courage' is so full of meaning and purpose. The children and families living with Type 1 diabetes need to know that people understand and care about them, and we're here to help accomplish that."

Kristi Eggleston:
"I wanted to be involved in KWC as soon as my son Nick received his crate in the hospital. That was a dark couple of days for us and the crate was something that made us smile. He was so excited to open it and I'll never forget that. Not only did we receive a beautiful crate but I also feel like KWC got us started on a good path after diagnosis. The organization showed us that things would be ok again and we as a family not only would get through this but get through it better than we ever thought. The support was tremendous and being a part of the KWC organization helps me give back and show that same support to other families. It's been a life saver for us and I couldn't be more honored to be a part of KWC!!"

Paul Fleming:
"Since the day my 5 year-old daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, I knew I wanted to be involved with 'Kids With Courage' to help make the transition easier for others as they had been for us. My daughter's smile reminds me everyday of what a special gift she truly is and the courage behind that smile. 'Kids With Courage' is there for every child and family that remembers that unforgettable day of finding out how diabetes would change their lives. They assist in making the transition easier, providing diabetes education, and supporting families in their journey of a lifetime. 'Kids With Courage' encourages children and their families to conquer this challenging life event with Strength, Grace and Confidence."

Leslie Ratterman:
"'Let's just rule it out' were the words I said to the Doctor that will never leave my mind. Then we ruled it in, and KWC has been there ever since. From the day we received our ‘Crate, Full of Courage’ when our daughter was 8, in 2010, I knew that I wanted to be apart of this team! It's about en-courage-ment and support 'just because' they cared! That's hard to find in this world we live in.

KWC has given our family the strength, knowledge and support to speak out about T1 diabetes to absolute strangers. It touches all of those "strangers" and welcomes them as family from day one, no questions asked. They are the quiet support in the room when parents and child come back from a long class on how to manage this challenge, and see a special gift, a bundle of encouragement just for them waiting patiently to be opened. I want to be a part of the magic that puts smiles on those kids faces, thankful tears in the parents eyes and the gentle nudge it gives them to just keep going knowing it's going to be ok. Those strangers that are now family, are what put KWC on the map. I am honored to be a part of the quiet support in the room, the gentle nudge, the smiles, tears and the family...'just because'."

Janet Tucker-Rose:
"The motto 'Courage and Strength Lies Within' is a simple phrase I write on every 'Crate, Full of Courage' gift I create for the 'Kids with Courage' Foundation. Having to face the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is an overwhelming challenge for children, their families and all of those concerned. Knowing that these gifts crates aide both children and their parents in the transition of accepting the diagnosis, gives me a sense of pride in realizing 'Kids With Courage' is giving them additional support to help with this challenge."