Each of Help 52's founders were drawn to this project through personally experiencing the affect severe illness and trauma can have on a family. They know what it's like to be in that situation, and that's why they've decided to make a difference. You can read their stories below.
Aaron has always been a creative thinker, never shying away from his next big idea. With a history of cancer in the family, tragedy struck again when his cousin Brandon, at the age of 16, was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Brandon was diagnosed three times and beat the cancer twice. It was these moments that showed Aaron first-hand how valuable the presence of family members can be, and how difficult it can sometimes be to make it happen. Brandon’s brave battle with cancer lasted for 6 years. He passed away at 1:00 AM on October 14th, 2008 at the young age of 22. Brandon was, and continues to be, an inspiration to those he touched.
Ryan was the first person Aaron contacted with the idea of starting Help 52. Ryan also experienced first-hand the agony of watching a family member, his mother Nina, battle cancer. First diagnosed while he was still in college with a malignant stage-four breast cancer, the family prayed she would make it long enough to see his graduation. She defied all odds and expectations and on graduation day she was there to see her son receive his diploma. Shortly after, Ryan got engaged and the family prayed Nina would make it to see his wedding. The cancer had spread, but her cheerful spirit never wavered. She was on the front row, as beautiful as ever, when Ryan exchanged his vows. The guests at his wedding gave her a tearful standing ovation in recognition of her tireless fight. But despite overcoming incredible odds, the family always knew her condition was terminal, and after six years of fighting, Nina Stephens surrendered her life on August 19th, 2008. Her story is one that continues to inspire all of those who remember her and is the driving reason behind Ryan’s involvement with Help 52.
Derek was always Aaron's go-to-guy when it came to brainstorming new ideas. When Aaron decided he wanted to make Help 52 happen, Derek was one of the first people he called. Derek, too, has seen first-hand the effect trauma can have on a family. His sister Jessica was involved in a serious rock climbing accident in 2003 while attending college across the country in Tennessee. She fell nearly 80 feet and was rushed by helicopter to the hospital. Confined to the ICU unit at a local hospital, it was impossible for the family to stay together. Derek's mother took two months off from work to stay with Jessica, but with responsibilities piling up back home, Derek and his father had to leave Jessica's side and return home. Thanks to the outstanding work of her rescuers and the staff that took care of her in the hospital, Jessica ended up making a full recovery.