Today’s superhero doesn’t wear a cape — she wears a Girl Scout sash and a heart full of kindness.
We’re so proud to celebrate Raelyn, daughter of our Hope in Gray Vice President, Brianna, who has officially earned her Girl Scout Bronze Award — the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can achieve.
Raelyn dedicated her Bronze Award project to honor the memory of her dear friend, Briana, who passed away from DIPG. Briana’s friendship left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her, and Raelyn wanted to make sure her light continued to shine at their school.
Raelyn took the lead on every part of this project — from design and planning to fundraising and building. She met with school staff to discuss her vision, collaborated with Project LIFT to bring it to life, and made sure every detail reflected the warmth and joy Briana brought into the world.
To fund the project, she created handmade soaps she named “Ohana Means Family,” each one paired with a card telling Briana’s story and a QR code linking to The Strong and Brave Foundation Inc. to raise awareness for DIPG/DMG. She even designed bracelets for students and staff, so everyone could feel connected to the bench’s message of friendship and love.
When it came time to paint, Raelyn added her personal touch — including a few hidden Mickeys — and a beautiful plaque to honor Briana’s memory.
This project wasn’t just about earning an award. It was about friendship, love, and carrying forward the spirit of someone who meant so much to her. Raelyn turned her grief into something good, her heart into her compass, and her vision into something truly beautiful.
Raelyn, your strength, compassion, and creativity remind us that heroes come in all sizes — and that even the smallest acts of love can leave the biggest mark.
Congratulations on your incredible achievement. We are so proud of you, and we know Briana is too.
#SuperheroSaturday #HopeInGray #HopeHeroes #BrainCancerAwareness #GirlScoutBronzeAward #BriannasBench #YouthMakingADifference #DIPGAwareness #TheStrongAndBraveFoundation #HopeLivesHere
