Hi, I’m 12 years old.

I created Brave Bands because I know what it feels like when your life suddenly changes and you don’t know what is going to happen next.

When I first came into foster care, I was scared, confused and angry. There were lots of changes happening around me, and I didn’t always know how to explain how I was feeling. Sometimes my emotions came out in ways that other people found difficult to understand.

Being in care has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve learned that it’s okay to have big feelings, it’s okay to ask for help, and sometimes being brave simply means getting through the next day and taking the next step.

That’s why I created Brave Bands.

A Brave Band is a little reminder to hold strong, be brave and keep going — especially on the days when things feel difficult.

And there’s something really special about every Brave Band. When you buy one, you’re actually helping provide another band to a child going into foster care for the very first time.

I know what that can feel like.

You might be scared. You might not know where you’re going or what is going to happen next. You might have lots of feelings that you don’t know how to explain.

So I want every child who receives a Brave Band to have a little reminder that says:

You are not alone.

You are stronger than you think.

Keep going.

My story is still being written, and I’m still learning and growing every day.

But I’ve learned that being brave doesn’t mean you’re never scared.

Sometimes being brave just means taking the next step.

That’s what Brave Bands means to me.

When you wear a Brave Band, I hope you remember that you’re never alone, and that being brave can help you through anything.