Help McKinnon put 10,000 Brave Gowns on 10,000 Brave Kids
Brave Like Me: 10,000 Brave Gowns on 10,000 brave kids.
I spent over 10 years receiving chemotherapy in a children's hospital, surrounded by some of the bravest kids I've ever met. Kids facing things no child should have to experience, yet somehow still finding reasons to laugh, smile, and just be kids.
Being a kid is hard enough. Being a kid in a hospital? That's a whole different level of unfair.
On my 16th birthday, I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), a rare, incurable genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves. Since then, I've had four brain surgeries, 30 rounds of radiation, 50+ MRIs, 15+ years of chemotherapy and medical trials, a cerebral stroke, and completely lost my hearing.
So, yeah. Hospitals and I go way back.
And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the little things aren't always so little.
I've always believed that when you bring someone a little joy, you give them a reason to fight a little harder. Actually, I don't just believe it. I know it. Because I live it.
That's why I love Brave Gowns.
These aren't your typical boring hospital gowns. They're colorful, fun, full of personality, and designed with medical teams to accommodate IVs and ports. Because kids deserve to feel like superheroes, princesses, or dinosaurs. Not just patients.
I've spent years advocating for patients, from serving as an FDA patient representative to lobbying on Capitol Hill, speaking nationwide, and fighting for better patient experiences. I help wherever I can, however I can.
But while research and policy shape the future, we can't forget about the kids sitting in hospital rooms TODAY.
Last year, you guys helped me put 5,000 Brave Gowns on kids in hospitals. FIVE THOUSAND!
But you know me. Why stop there?
This year? We're going for 10,000!
10,000 gowns. 10,000 kids. 10,000 reasons to smile.
And this year is extra special because one of the hospitals receiving gowns is the very children's hospital where I grew up getting chemotherapy. Talk about a full-circle moment!
I can't take away what these kids are going through. I wish I could. But I know firsthand how much one reason to smile can change a difficult day.
So help me put 10,000 Brave Gowns on 10,000 brave kids.
Because being brave doesn't mean you aren't scared. Sometimes it just means finding a reason to smile in the middle of it all.
Let's give them something to smile about. 
With love,
McKinnon
Join McKinnon in sponsoring a Brave Gown for a child and help bring comfort, courage, and joy to children in hospitals everywhere.
To learn more about McKinnon and her story please go to:
