“Kids need to feel like they’re courageous, and they’re enough, and they have the tools necessary to be incredible.” – John Otten
This episode of Hear My Story is about what it means to be an upstander when your heart is broken. After the loss of their son Brayden, John and Michelle Otten chose not to turn inward—but to turn their love outward in a way that continues to change lives.
In a deeply personal conversation, John reflects on Brayden’s life—a joyful, courageous child born with a congenital heart condition—and the journey their family navigated together. From the shock of his diagnosis to the outpouring of support during his final months, John shares how Brayden’s strength and spirit left a lasting imprint on everyone around him.
In the wake of unimaginable grief, the Ottens created the Brave Like Me foundation, transforming their loss into action. Today, their work brings moments of joy, courage, and connection to children facing serious medical challenges—whether through reuniting them with beloved pets, creating confidence-building experiences, and sharing stories that help kids recognize their own strength. Honored with the Anneliese and Matt Yosafat Award for Love at the Upstander Awards in 2025, John and Michelle embody a legacy that shows how even in the hardest moments, we can choose to show up for others.
This episode is part of the Cynthia & Harold Guttman Family Center for Storytelling. Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@holocaustandhumanity
Our gratitude to Margaret & Michael Valentine for their ongoing support of this series.
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Episode Resources
Brave Like Me Foundation
Learn more about the mission John and Michelle Otten created to honor Brayden—bringing joy, courage, and connection to children facing complex medical challenges.
https://www.bravelikeme.org
Anneliese Yosafat Episode – Hear My Story
Hear the story of Anneliese Yosafat, whose life and legacy of love continue to inspire the Upstander Awards and this episode’s honorees.
https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/hear-my-story/anneliese-yosafat/
Upstander Awards
Learn more about the awards program that recognizes individuals making a difference through courage, compassion, and action.
https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/upstander-awards/
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