TALKING SUPPORT FOR OUR YOUNGEST WARRIORS
TALKING SUPPORT FOR OUR YOUNGEST WARRIORS
Nathaniel “Sayo” Curran
In the midst of what seems like a very divisive American landscape, there is still a lot of good happening in 2020. Case in point? The Young and Brave Foundation. This local Ventura County non-profit started from the ground up in 2009 after a loved one was diagnosed with cancer. Since, it has grown into a fully operational foundation whose mission is to create a community of support for kids and young adults during their battle with cancer.
“We want to help relieve the financial stress and burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis, which we do through our online fundraising platform where people can donate money directly to our warriors,” says Nathanial “Sayo” Curran, co-founder and executive director of The Young and Brave Foundation.
Curran is no stranger to challenging times. The former 15-year professional surfer on the ASP World Tour has seen his fair share of hardships. But it was the fight for life that occurred after the diagnosis that truly opened Curran’s eyes to the harsh realities of cancer. From there, an idea was formed.
“I hadn’t realized how quickly a cancer diagnosis could affect someone’s life before this happened,” says Curran. “We put on an event to help raise money for a loved one’s hospital bills since she didn’t have insurance at the time. We realized that there were families everywhere that need that same kind of support and the idea for the foundation grew.”
“I hadn’t realized how quickly a cancer diagnosis could affect someone’s life before this happened,” says Curran. “We put on an event to help raise money for a loved one’s hospital bills since she didn’t have insurance at the time. We realized that there were families everywhere that need that same kind of support and the idea for the foundation grew.”
“I’m thankful for our community and partners like Ventura County Medical Center that support the Foundation and our Warriors. This Foundation is a big team effort, from my brother Josh Curran who is the Chief Financial Officer, to our amazing board of directors who help lead the Foundation in the right direction.”
To Curran, it’s the little things that stand out, like their annual Thanksgiving dinners at Ventura County Medical Center. “Every year we go to our local hospital and serve a Thanksgiving meal to patients and staff. Seeing the family’s faces and how happy they are to get a meal during the holidays when they should be at home with their families instead of at the hospital makes it all worthwhile.”
In fact, the Careys are one such family who is witnessing firsthand how The Young and Brave Foundation can make an impact. When asked about their story, Curran explains,“They are local to Ventura and their 11-year-old son Malakai was diagnosed with cancer last year. He has been an incredible inspiration. It’s amazing to see how the community rallied around him and his family.”
And it’s not just the adults who are getting involved. Kids at local high schools have started Young Brave clubs too – a movement that Curran is happy to see catch on. “It’s inspiring to see the younger generation of kids getting behind our mission and learning to give to others,” he says.
His personal motivation? The Warriors. “Seeing how strong and determined all these young kids are in their fight against something that is so harsh, their determination is inspiring.”
As Curran sat down for this interview, the Foundation reached $1 million in donations, and every cent goes directly to Warriors. This is money that has been donated by individuals, companies, organizations, and the foundation – all people who are passionate about helping others.
“We wouldn’t exist without all of our donors, businesses, sponsors, and supporters,” he shares. “Everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way. These families that live in your community need your support, whether it’s financially or emotionally. We don’t want anyone to fight alone.”
“I have learned that you can never give up and you can’t let your guard down,” Curran adds. “Cancer doesn’t care who you are. But a person and a community can make a huge impact on a family’s life.”
“I have learned that you can never give up and you can’t let your guard down,” Curran adds. “Cancer doesn’t care who you are. But a person and a community can make a huge impact on a family’s life.”
If you or someone you know are looking for ways to get involved, Curran encourages you to sign up as a volunteer. One of the most unique aspects about The Young and Brave Foundation is that people can go online and read firsthand individual Warrior profiles and donate money directly to a Warrior.
Another way to help is through their Real Estate Program. Once a Realtor® joins the program, they can then make a donation to the foundation after a transaction on behalf of the client.
LIV Sotheby’s International Realty agents who recently participated in the fundraiser for Malakai Carey include Shanoah Curran, Laura Darrah, and Alexa Zavala. For more information on The Young and Brave Foundation visit www.theyoungandbrave.com.
