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!"

Pat Bottcher:
"With many things we become involved in; some are not very meaningful, helpful or worthwhile. This is not the case with 'Kids With Courage'! Whatever small contribution is made in helping kids with Type 1 diabetes pales in comparison to the blessings received by observing their courage, discipline and acceptance of their plight in life! It is truly an opportunity and privilege to have a part in improving the quality of life for these brave children who face overwhelming challenges everyday. They must be assured we will be there for them with love, support and understanding."

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."

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."

Darlene Gregory:
"My granddaughter was diagnosed in March, 2009 with Type 1 Diabetes. Our family was overwhelmed with all that was necessary in attempting to manage it medically and psychologically. It didn't take me long to realize that I needed to get involved with an organization that made a difference in the lives of these children. Through a series of events, I had the opportunity to talk with the founder of 'Kids with Courage' and immediately knew that I wanted to participate in whatever way I could. I clearly remember the wonderful crate with essential tools, educational material and resources and how grateful my granddaughter and her parents were upon receiving it. This is a disease that deprives so much from the children and their families. I want to participate in letting them know they are not alone, there are people who really care, and help them live as close to normal lives as possible."

Candace Meyer:
"I wanted to be part of the 'Kids With Courage' Foundation because my family faced the trauma and transition of 'a normal life' to a 'life revolving around diabetes'. My daughter, Alyssa, was diagnosed last year at the age of 8. While at the hospital we received the most wonderful support from 'Kids With Courage'. I would sit up at night reading all the information while my daughter was sleeping and I was waiting for the next blood sugar check. Then one night, through my tear filled eyes, my daughter told me, 'everything would be okay, because sometimes we are given things to deal with that will make us stronger'. Who knew an 8 year old had such wisdom? From that moment, I knew she was courageous and I too had to do something for all the other children battling Type 1 Diabetes. 'Kids With Courage' Foundation is a way for me to give back to all the families who feel completely overwhelmed. The foundation is true to the heart and is here to help children and families."

Harriet Smith:
"I have worked with children in my career as an art educator with the Kansas City Nelson-Atkins museum, and the Huntsville Alabama Museum of Art. I value children and their well-being. In addition, I have a friend who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 55 years. Seeing the difficulties she has lived with these many years makes me realize that early courage and support for the lifetime of stamina needed to fully live with this illness is something I can give support to for other children facing this challenge."

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."

Melissa Weatherspoon:
"I have joined the Board of Directors for 'Kids With Courage' because I experienced firsthand the pleasure of their support. My 10 yr old daughter (Amara) was diagnosed 10/1/07 with Type 1 diabetes. At the time, I was numbed by the fact that she had been diagnosed with diabetes. I am a health professional and unfortunately, that knowledge about this disease made me even more fearful and sad. The hospitalization seemed dark and blurry....and then we walked into the education room and a beautifully wrapped crate with balloons and gifts was waiting for my daughter. It was the one bright piece of sunshine during a very dark time. It was full of helpful information and support. I could not read the booklet dedicated to parents because I was trying to be strong in front of everyone. After we got home and I was able to read it and cry, I called Daphna (the founder) and promised I would help her in whatever way I could to further this organization's efforts. I am honored to be given the chance to influence other parents and children that deal with Type 1 Diabetes. My daughter is my hero....she displays COURAGE every day!"