In the heart of Liberty Township, the Bold + Brave Kid’s Foundation stands as a pillar of support for families navigating the challenging journey of childhood cancer, particularly those undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital Proton Therapy Center. Established by Executive Director April Montgomery to provide housing during treatment, the nonprofit’s roots trace back to a personal and triumphant story.
Fifteen years ago, Montgomery’s infant daughter, Claire, faced a rare challenge—tongue cancer.
“It’s difficult to treat cancers in some areas due to radiation damaging surrounding tissues,” Montgomery shares, “and that was the situation Claire was in. There was only one hospital in the world that would treat children like Claire back then and that was Mass General.”
Montgomery and her daughter traveled to Massachusetts for targeted proton therapy known as "pencil beam," a precision-focused treatment hitting only the tumor area.
Having experienced the hardships of relocating for her daughter's treatments, Montgomery understands the impact of compassionate support.
"I took a shuttle to the hospital for forty minutes daily, and it was so depressing," Montgomery explains.
However, a timely break, an apartment donated by a fellow cancer patient, changed her life.
“Claire and I stayed in that apartment for two months,” she adds, “and I never forgot that break.”
In 2016, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital opened a new state-of-the-art Proton Therapy Center here in Liberty Township.
“Today, Cincinnati Children’s ranks number one in the nation among Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and number one for pediatric cancer care,” says Barrett Brunsman, a senior consultant in media relations at the hospital. “Both kids and adults receive care at the Proton Therapy Center,” he continues, “which treats more than 30 types of cancer.”
When Montgomery learned there would be a local center that treated patients like her daughter, she and a colleague from Cincinnati were spurred into action.
Since more than 65% of patients come from 150-plus miles away, “It made sense for us to do something here to provide housing,” she says.
Thus The Bold + Brave Kid’s Foundation was born. The nonprofit organization collaborates with social workers at Children’s Hospital, offering housing in twelve private apartments situated within walking distance from the proton center. The emphasis on single-space units is crucial, considering the immunocompromised patients. These fully furnished dwellings, funded solely by donations, provide a home away from home for families and patients who average thirty treatments over a four-to-six-week period.
Each unit is designed to cater to the needs of the families.
"The main bedroom has a Queen-sized bed and an ensuite shower that’s ADA compliant and handicap accessible,” Montgomery says. “Additionally [in a separate bedroom], there are two twin-sized beds with convenient access to a hallway full bath.”
All units also come complete with high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen and a full-sized laundry.
A mother of one patient shares her family’s story.
"Our son is 10 and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. We live in Columbus and underwent chemotherapy and surgery there but were a part of a study that called for proton radiation therapy. We were fortunate enough to lease an apartment through the Bold and Brave Kid’s Foundation…and [it] made our lives so much less stressful! The ability to leave our belongings at a secure place when we traveled back and forth simplified our lives.”
Community engagement plays a vital role in the foundation’s success. Students at Lakota East High School’s Hawks Against Cancer Club actively contribute by going above and beyond monetary aid. These students are the driving force behind heartfelt gestures, organizing special birthday cakes and engaging activities tailored for the younger patients. The Lakota Family YMCA also provides families with a free family pass to their facility during their stay, and supporters such as Valley Central Bank play a pivotal role with monetary support, too.
Bold + Brave Kid’s Foundation and our exceptional local hospitals help make Liberty Township a center for healing and growing. Support Bold + Brave Kid’s Foundation with monetary donations, gift cards or by purchasing items from a Target or Amazon wish list. BoldAndBraveKids.org
"We were fortunate enough to lease an apartment...it made our lives so much less stressful!"
