Turning Challenges
Into Hope
Supporting Children Suffering From Traumatic Brain Injuries & Their Families
Welcome to the Nash & Vinny Brain Strong Foundation. We are a community built on a foundation of compassion, dedicated to turning trials into triumphs. Witnessing the incredible resilience of Nash and Vinny has inspired us to create a network of joy and support for children and their families facing traumatic brain injury challenges. Our mission is to share much-needed smiles and strength by collaborating with our community. Explore our site to learn more about Nash and Vinny, discover how your partnership can make a profound impact, and find out how you, too, can get involved in making the world a little brighter for the patients, their families, and amazing medical families. Together, we are building a stronger, happier community.
Turning Challenges
Into Hope
Supporting Children Suffering From Traumatic Brain Injuries & Their Families
Welcome to the Nash & Vinny Brain Strong Foundation. We are a community built on a foundation of compassion, dedicated to turning trials into triumphs. Witnessing the incredible resilience of Nash and Vinny has inspired us to create a network of joy and support for children and their families facing traumatic brain injury challenges. Our mission is to share much-needed smiles and strength by collaborating with our community. Explore our site to learn more about Nash and Vinny, discover how your partnership can make a profound impact, and find out how you, too, can get involved in making the world a little brighter for the patients, their families, and amazing medical families. Together, we are building a stronger, happier community.
Our Story
I Am Nash!
Back when I was four, I had a really big fall and hit my head super hard. I had to go to the big hospital called Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. I even had a special “bolt” in my head—my mom and dad said it was like a tiny sensor to help the doctors see how my brain was doing. I had some bruises on my brain and a blood clot, so I had to take a long, long nap for eight days while the doctors and nurses took care of me.
When I finally woke up, I had to start all over again—kind of like a baby! I had to learn how to talk, how to walk, and even how to eat without my feeding tube. It was hard work, but I did it because I’m Brain Strong and was surrounded by real-life superheroes like Dr. Tomei and Natasha, the service dog !
Now, I’m back to doing all the fun stuff little kids do. I want to help other kids at the hospital feel better too.
If you would like to learn more about my injury and recovery, it can be found here.
I Am Vinny!
One day, me and my dad were riding our cycle boards around the block like we always do. But on July 31, 2024, something really scary happened. We got into an accident, and I hurt my head really badly.
I had to fly in a helicopter to UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. The doctors and nurses in the PICU worked super hard to help me get better. I was asleep for a long time because my brain needed help healing. My mom and dad stayed by my side the whole time.
When I finally woke up, I had to learn how to do a lot of things all over again. I worked really hard in therapy to learn how to walk, talk, and be independent again. Some days were really tough, but I kept fighting.
My helmet helped save my life that day, and my doctors, nurses, therapists, and family helped make me Brain Strong.
Now I’m back to doing the things I love, making people smile, and cheering on my new best friend, Nash. I want to help other kids who are going through hard times in the hospital feel strong too.
About Our Foundation
Our Mission
The mission of the Nash & Vinny Brain Strong Foundation is to support pediatric traumatic brain injury research and provide ongoing assistance to families navigating the complexities of these injuries. Founded in gratitude for the life-saving care received at Rainbow Babies & Children’s, the foundation manages an endowed fund designed to be sustainable and impactful across the United States. By funding critical research, essential medical equipment, and advanced therapies, the foundation strives to ensure that every child has the opportunity to recover to their fullest potential. Ultimately, the mission is driven by a passion for improving treatment and monitoring protocols while offering hope and community back to those facing devastating neurological challenges.
Our Story
Getting involved with the Nash & Vinny Brain Strong Foundation means becoming a vital part of a community dedicated to supporting pediatric traumatic brain injury research and medical families. You can make a direct impact by donating to our sustainable endowed fund, which ensures your contribution continues to provide long-term care and technology for children in need. We also welcome those looking to give back through volunteering their time or establishing corporate sponsorships that demonstrate a shared commitment to compassion and community. One of our most exciting ways to support the mission is by joining our annual golf outing, where every swing helps us share joy and strength with families at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s. Together, we can help these brave children reach their fullest potential.
