Summer's Love For Her Brother, Mac, Started It All

The only way I can help others, is to keep my own feelings suppressed. Every few years, the realness of Mac not being here just hits. It’s easy to forget that he’s really in heaven when you are constantly hoping and grieving with all the families I care so much about. I can’t thank you all enough for believing in and helping Brave Gowns when and where you can. I constantly receive messages and ask for help. It’s too much for one person to take on, which is why I keep trying to find creative ways to keep people excited to help. This video was really hard for me to post, but it reminded me how much I love and miss Mac, and that it is for my own soul to feel whole. I have to finish what I started and keep reminding myself of my why. Thank you all for believing that these Brave children deserve more. I can't do this without your help! 🙌💛
Summer Germann
Read more
Jax is on the News!

Jax is on the News!

Our friend Jax shared his story and mission to raise 500 Brave Gowns by Thanksgiving with AZFamily and we are so excited to see him spreading the word! He is doing absolutely amazing things by starting this campaign for the hospital that helped him. It's such a blessing to see how dedicated and excited he is to be giving back! Watching our children learn the importance of paying it forward and how rewarding it is to give to others is such a gift and reminds us often of the good in the world. 

We hope you'll check out his news story below! 

https://www.azfamily.com/video/2022/10/25/year-old-gilbert-making-superhero-themed-hospital-gowns/

Zoe Trujillo
Read more
Holiday Design a Gown Giveaway!

Holiday Design a Gown Giveaway!

It’s that time again! Our Design a Gown giveaway! This one is a big one so let’s get get your classrooms, school, organization and hospitals on board 🙏 We want to see an amazing Holiday 2022 gown! The winning gown will get 500 gowns donated to Children’s Hospitals throughout the country! 🙌
Designing a gown is super easy, just print this out. And then let your imagination go wild! You can share this with your kids, your family and friends, your classmates, students or patients! Kids and adults alike can participate in creating something fun, creative and full of holiday magic!
 It’s such a fun way to get everybody involved and have the chance to win a fun donation from a few out our friends. We've had so many amazing submissions in the past so we know you'll all have something amazing to show us this time!
 We hope you’ll get started this weekend! All entries must be turned in by November 18th so we can make sure the gowns arrive to children for holidays! ❤️🙏🙌
Please send all submissions to info@bravegowns.com
https://www.bravegowns.com/pages/download-a-design-a-gown-template?_pos=1&_sid=6a243d595&_ss=r&fbclid=IwAR3Uk3PB9yhsFsSqUPf4xBuj0L6ny67bCB-w5mWw-Ft2pxcuXO1Xmt0AY6A
Zoe Trujillo
Read more
Jax's Lifelong Hospital Visits Have Inspired Him to Give Back!

Jax's Lifelong Hospital Visits Have Inspired Him to Give Back!

Our friend Jax got a custom hockey gown to match his own hockey team! Jax and his mom shared about Jax’s health journey through the years and how Brave Gowns has totally changed his outlook on hospital visits, check out the article below! He loves his Brave Gowns so much he’s decided to raise 500 gowns by Thanksgiving for Phoenix Children’s Hospital and we hope you’ll help him reach his goal!
Even through anxiety and seizures, Jax is still trying to help other children feel Brave. His goal of 500 gowns donated is so amazing and we are so excited for him to be able to pass out gowns to others. He knows firsthand how hospital visits and stays can be draining and scary, but he also knows how amazing he feels when he's got his Brave Gowns and he knows how amazing it will help others to feel. 
We’re so grateful for you Jax!
Let's help him donate 500 gowns by Thanksgiving! 
You can read his article below, as well as donate a gown to his campaign for Phoenix Children's Hospital. 
https://www.yourvalley.net/detail.html?sub_id=e9da3e1e22&fbclid=IwAR0rXg1z4WaylU6fhcmwgYm6pblSSHOPEm3xvigdmUBKSdvAZhbUC1gaZz4
https://www.bravegowns.com/products/jax-pch?_pos=1&_sid=ef4d014be&_ss=r&fbclid=IwAR0i4QaOT4HV9ZYcGXXw8vqghlxFYFUEDROUTZTMDmtlf1uAhnJqvpHBpyY
Zoe Trujillo
Read more
You Can Help Us Bring Halloween to Children in Hospitals!

You Can Help Us Bring Halloween to Children in Hospitals!

Has anyone told you how brave you are today?
Let us be the first. You are brave!
Not only is it Childhood Cancer awareness month, today is National Brave Day! Being BRAVE is not my strong suit. I am so afraid to ask anything of anyone and my entire existence. Every day I want to hide, but I believe in doing what I can to help children. So, I face my fears, keep going and ask for help to improve hope and comfort for hospitalized children. My goal has always been to put 3.4 million Brave Gowns on children in memory of my brother. One for every child that enters the doors of a children's hospital every year. If we can make that moment of unknown a little more comfortable and help ease any fear and anxiety for children at the beginning of their treatment, then that's all we can hope for!
Please read below to understand why it's so personal and important for us to bring trick-or-treating to children that will be in the hospital on Halloween. We lived it first hand.
Summer Germann
Read more
The Tyler Skaggs Foundation Celebrates Tyler Skaggs Heavenly 31st Birthday with Brave Gowns

The Tyler Skaggs Foundation Celebrates Tyler Skaggs Heavenly 31st Birthday with Brave Gowns

The Tyler Skaggs Foundation was founded to empower young people through sports and athletic programs and help to provide the resources needed to build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. Tyler’s wife, Carli and his mom, Debbie along with many others that loved Tyler created TSF to support individuals and teams to nurture a lasting positive impact in the lives of young people. 

Tyler was a mentor and hero to children that watched him play baseball and throughout our community. Tyler's graciousness and generosity is remembered within the children's hospital community we are excited to keep that going through the Tyler Skaggs’ Brave Gown. May the gowns we put on children in his honor help the legacy of his heart and humor shine on!

The gown designs were created to inspire others to #BringTheSpark to their lives as they feature Tyler’s favorite symbol, the “spark” and a baseball belt. 

Happy Heavenly Birthday Tyler ❤️ It’s an honor to partner with the Tyler Skaggs Foundation to gift gowns to as many hospitalized children as we can. This gown drive is such a unique opportunity to commemorate Tyler and give back in a way we know he would be proud of.

You can donate a gown by following this link https://www.bravegowns.com/products/tyler-skaggs?_pos=1&_sid=c91e4266c&_ss=r

 

Zoe Trujillo
Read more
The Hoss Foundation and Brave Gowns

The Hoss Foundation and Brave Gowns

The Hoss Foundation is doing some amazing things 🙌 It was founded by former NFL quarterback Jeff Hostetler and his wife Vicky and together they’ve donated over 350 gowns so far and aren’t stopping any time soon! The work they are doing to help others recover from countless hardships is incredible and we’re so honored to be partnered with them ❤️ 

In the words of the Hoss Foundation:
We are delivering another order of @bravegowns to @wvumedicinechildrens tomorrow and we are very excited for the NEW Birthday ones! We hope this will bring an extra smile to the birthday child’s face. These Brave Gowns are more than just a gown to these children, they are a bad day truned into a great day by becoming their favorite character or person.  We are excited to share that our Foundation has been able to donate over 350 gowns!  To donate visit our website at www. hossfoundation.org/donate

Zoe Trujillo
Read more
Dad Gets Tattoo of Daughter's Open-Heart 'Zipper' Scar

Dad Gets Tattoo of Daughter's Open-Heart 'Zipper' Scar

If, by chance, you ordered masks at the beginning of the pandemic during the great USPS debacle, and you reached out to our customer service team, more than likely, you received a  response from Lauren. This is her family and this is their story. This is her “why.” She jumped in to help Brave Gowns when she knew we needed it. She had offered twice and knowing how much she had on her plate, I said, "thank you, but no thank you" for a good two weeks. When she texted the final time, we were at a breaking point with emails and I said, "fine, if you can get in, let's do this." I had been locked out of my email account for an hour. I remember thinking, "good luck!" Within five seconds she said, "Now what?" She was a Godsend. Through that, we have maintained a friendship. Towards the beginning, I said something "Pollyanna-ish" to which she replied, "Ok, Summer, maybe you're supposed to show me how that faith of yours works, because with what we've been through with Everly, I don't know what I feel."

Over the last few years, we have had the blessing to watch her children grow and really get to know their family. Jack is Everly’s big brother. He is a silly guy that loves accents, and has sacrificed so much to protect Everly through COVID. Everly is…well, perfectly Everly, exactly as she should be. She had her first open heart surgery before she was three-days-old. She will have two to three more before she is an adult, so her strong-willed spirit is a blessing.She Everly’s mom, Lauren, is Miss Do It All. When school went online due to the pandemic, within three days, she had a full classroom set up in their dining room with chalkboards, desks, play areas and more. That is Lauren. She's the "make every day special" type of mom who even celebrates half birthdays, because she understands what a gift each milestone is. They also foster failed two dogs this year, so now they have four dogs. In other words, besides protecting Everly from COVID and with her normal doctor check-ups, I’m sure Lauren is exhausted, but she keeps going and then, does even more. She advocates hard for CHD and I lost count of all the organizations she helps awhile back, but of course, today she also just spearheaded a Chicagoland Brave Gown campaign with seven other CHD families. Ironically, I’m not even to the point of this post yet…Everly’s dad, Matt. We have watched him transform from a quirky, funny guy to a dad that leaves me in awe. He is such a hard worker and, no matter what he faces, he shows up at the end of the day and plays with the kids second to none. From hide and seek, to dance parties, to movie nights and family walks, Matt is always in the midst of it. I didn’t see Matt getting a tattoo ever, but of course, if he did, that is exactly how he’d do it. He'd pick a design to make Everly feel special. I'm tempted to write: "not a design for himself," but that's not entirely true, because if you knew Matt, Everly's badge of courage, her zipper was exactly what he would have chosen time and time again.

That’s what led me to write this post. Knowing the story from behind the scenes, you would know first hand that they would never do this for notoriety or for a story. That idea wasn't even entertained in their heads. They did this for all the right reasons...their love for their family and their love for their little CHD hero Everly. Lauren & Matt, if you're reading this, this is why I believe in the good. I was always told that the thing that we are meant to be will drop us to our knees on many occasions. Maybe it's not the way we had hoped. We know Everly has more heart surgeries to come. May their "zippers" remind them of their healing, memories, and the courage of they endured together. Oh and Lauren, if you're reading this, your story is the exact reason I always choose faith. When you do things with your heart and with the right intentions, the good you put out, will alway comes back to you.

To sponsor a gown for the Chicagoland CHD Brave Gown drive please go to:

https://www.bravegowns.com/products/second-chicagoland-chd-brave-gowns-drive

To read more about their story go to:

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/crystal-lake-dad-gets-tattoo-of-daughters-open-heart-surgery-zipper-scar/2746095/

Summer Germann
Read more

The Girl Named Ocean

When Mac was going through treatment, I was carrying my daughter. We didn’t know the sex yet, so I told Mac that I would name the child after his him by using his middle name Barrett. Then we found out it was a girl. All we were leaving the ultra sound my husband said the name Ocean. I said, “Not a chance. There is no way that I am going to introduce myself as “Hi, I’m Summer and this is my daughter Ocean. We live on Sunnyside.” (True story at the time). We aren’t The Brady Bunch. I couldn’t wait to find the perfect name. When we got back to the hospital and told Mac it was a girl and he heard my husband wanted “Ocean.” He LOVED it. Growing up on the beach in Malibu, he lived in the water and surfed. That’s actually a possibility of what triggered the Leukemia, but that’s another story in itself. Back to the name. Mac and my husband taunted me for months about naming her Ocean. Then Mac died, something we never expected or prepared for. In that moment our daughter clearly became Ocean Barrett. Initials OG, OBG…It’s almost like Mac did it on purpose. I get one daughter in life and didn’t get to choose even one name for her. It was clear Mac deserved the last laugh. Here she is now at prom and graduating high school. So many years have passed, but Mac was so right. She outgrew the nickname Tsunami and is nothing but the most perfect Ocean. I will forever look up at the sky and cringe every time I have to say, “Hi, I’m Summer and this is my daughter Ocean”…Thanks Mac. Please watch over our girl during her new journey .
Summer Germann
Read more
What are people saying about Brave Gowns?

What are people saying about Brave Gowns?

We are so happy to hear that people love Brave Gowns masks and gowns as much as we do! 

How beautiful are these 3? They look amazing in their Brave Gown masks. Erin (mom), thank you for sharing these pictures and why you love Brave Gowns. 

3 Generations Photo

Grandpa and granddaughter enjoyed a fun day at the apple orchard. We are so glad you love the masks, Grandpa Tony! 

 Grandpa and Granddaughter at the Apple Orchard

This little guy looks adorable in his Dino mask and what an amazing brother to accompany his little sister to her appointment to check her heart. Thanks for sending us this adorable picture, Abbey! 

 CHD Dino Brother

We love this quote from heart momma, Adrian: "A family who Brave Masks together stays healthy together." Are they not the most adorable family? 

Family in masks

We are so happy to hear cool Cannon feels "so cool" in his mask. 

Boy in hospital gown and mask

Christine, we love all the festivity and are so happy to hear that patients loved your mask! 

Patients loved it!

Cody was the winner randomly chosen to win 5 personalized masks! We hope you love them! 

Man in mask and sunglasses

So happy to hear that the gown and mask helped Jax through his scan. Thanks for sending this picture of your brave little guy, Danielle. 

Little boy in gown and mask

How perfect is the lion gown and mask for the "Lion Hearted Harlan"? 

Lion Gown and Mask

Thank you for your kind words, Jodi, and thanks for sharing this wonderful picture! 

Vote Mask

Kat, you and your husband look incredible rocking our Design-A-Mask Mina's smile masks! We can for sure tell in your eyes that "there is a smile behind this mask." 

Smile Masks

Kristen, thanks so much for sending this picture of you and your coworkers at the hospital. We are so glad they are keeping you and your patients protected while bringing lots of color to the hospital as well!

Hospital Crew wearing masks

 Laura, so thrilled to hear your granddaughter loves your mask too! What a beautiful grandma in such a fun mask! 

Lady in smiley mask

These sweet sisters look adorable in their matching masks for their check ups! 

Sisters in rainbow masks

Luann, Thanks so much for sending this wonderful picture of you and your husband in your Brave Masks! 

Couple in masks

Look at this beautiful aunt and her new niece! We are so happy to be able to be a part of big moments in people's lives! Thanks for sharing this, Nicole! 

Aunt and Niece

How adorable is this crew each in Brave Masks that fit their styles and personalities! 

Family at airport in masks

We are so happy to see Miss E and her big bro both so grown up and rocking Brave Masks. We especially love the gown Miss E is wearing in the wagon. Big bro picked out photographs for her personalized gown so he could be close to her during surgeries. 

Family in masks and gowns

This family is just darling in their masks. We cannot get enough of kiddos in the Dino mask. Every time we see a kid in it, we smile. 

Family in masks

How thoughtful and generous to think of your colleagues, Sue! This was the perfect mask for your team... #InThisTogether

Hospital Staff in Masks

This mom and daughter trio is just stunning in their matching dresses and we love their Brave Masks. Thanks for sharing lots of incredible pictures with us, Tiffany, we love them all! 

Mom and daughters in masks

How lovely is this picture of mom and son? Love everything about this picture and we loved making the mask of your sweet dog. 

Mom and Son

 

We love to hear from our customers! We'd love to see your pictures. Please email them to info@bravegowns.com. 

Lauren Backe
Read more

BRAVE GOWNS MASK THANK YOU!

Thank you to all of that have been here with us through the beginning and our new friends that stayed and believed in us at our roughest time. We were able to save over 350 factory jobs, plus protect essential workers all over the country when there was a mask shortage. There were a few moments that I was pretty sure I was going to have to go into hiding...but here we are. It’s all just a memory and we came through it stronger. We have a longer video coming with every picture ever sent to us. Thank you for believing.
Summer Germann
Read more
Printable Design A Mask Coloring Sheet! YAY!

Printable Design A Mask Coloring Sheet! YAY!

 Have Fun! We Can't Wait To See Your Designs! Thank you!

Official Design-A-Mask Rules:

Sponsor’s Rights to Entries. By entering the Contest, you grant to Sponsor a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, fully sub-licensable (through multiple tiers) and transferable license, without additional consideration to you or third parties, to:  (a) reproduce, distribute, perform, and display (publicly or otherwise), adapt, modify, edit, translate, make available to the public, make, sell, offer to sell, import, and otherwise use and exploit (and have others exercise such rights on behalf of the Sponsor, through multiple tiers) your entry in any format or media now known or hereafter developed; (b) create derivative works from and incorporate your entry into other works or into Sponsor’s or its designees’ products or services; (c) use your entry for Sponsor’s advertising and promotional purposes; and (d) use your name, entry, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, statements, and biographical information for Sponsor’s advertising and promotional purposes, whether or not in connection with your entry, in each case for the purpose of administering and promoting the Contest, any future promotions and/or Sponsor, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law. Sponsor reserves the right (but does not have the obligation) to verify at any time that all necessary rights, clearances, consents, releases and other permissions in or relating to your entry have been validly obtained, and you agree to fully cooperate with Sponsor in any such verification inquiries. Entries must be your own original work and must not contain any content that is not your own or for which you have not obtained appropriate and necessary rights (including, for example, content that contains another person’s or entity’s trademark or content that was created by or is otherwise copyrighted by another person or entity). Thank you!

Summer Germann
Read more
60 results