Birthday Brightness is an organization that brings joy to children inpatient at Children's Mercy on their birthdays. In partnership with Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and its Child-Life program, we create personalized and magical birthdays for patients, ranging from themed surprises to individualized gifts and heartfelt cards on their special day.

Our Why

Birthday Brightness was established after founder Sami Tolliver, who's been fighting a life-threatening illness and a patient at Children's Mercy for almost four years now, recently spent her 17th birthday inpatient. Sami has endured countless unimaginable health challenges throughout these years and considers this hospital her second home. She explains, "She cannot even express how special Children's Mercy and Child Life made that day for her. Their impact on me throughout my health journey, especially that day, has inspired me to start my own organization, in hopes of supporting them to continue and expand this amazing tradition. This hospital has done so much for me; I don't think it would ever be possible to repay them, but all I want to do is be able to give back."

Our Goal

Birthday Brightness hopes to begin curating personalized birthdays at the beginning of September. For most individuals, birthdays signify the concept of "aging," but for children affected by illness, they can symbolize so much more, such as the celebration of another year of fighting their battle. We want to ensure that no child feels forgotten or unloved on their big day!

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial to making our goal a reality. Whether you're an individual looking to lend a hand or a local business considering a donation, every contribution is deeply appreciated. Your donation will directly help us create a profound impact on the lives of the patients, their families, the Children Mercy's staff, and the wider community.

Please contact us with any questions about this organization!