Braver for Riley

In July 2024 we launched the fundraiser Braver for Riley with the print of a little tiger, inspired by a tiger tattoo Riley's dad has. It is with great sadness that this update is one to share that Riley passed away on the Twentieth of August 2024. 

Our beautiful girl, so full of life, has taken her last breath. Now she is free to run and dance and climb and read. No more pain. No more silent fight. She has found her wings and is ready to soar. Her joy will live with us forever.

- Alix, Riley's Mum

Riley was living with MLD, a rare terminal, neurodegenerative disease. The simple purpose for starting Braver for Riley was to let the Braver Village know that there was an opening to help support Riley's family while they did their best to give her as much comfort as they could in her last days. This took expenses that exceeded what medical aid covered.

I personally want to thank each and every one of you who purchased a print this August in support of Riley. One of the pillars upon with BRAVER stands is that we exist for something so much bigger than ourselves. That when we see other humans in need within our community, that we step in where we can, and do what we can to show our support for them through taking action. While I never met Riley, nor have I met her parents in person, when I heard about the mountains they were climbing with their little girl, I couldn't turn a blind eye. BRAVER needed to stand with Riley, and we still do.

- Astrid | Founder of Braver

We will continue to run Braver for Riley where proceeds from all items sold in the collection will continue to go to her dear family. We know medical bills don't disappear overnight and it is with great love and compassion we want to remain standing with them.

Its ok

Go my sweet girl

Go play outside

Go be free

Go chase the ducks

Go laugh, run, jump and tumble

Its ok

Thank you for being our girl

Thank you for holding on

Thank you for fighting

Thank you for being with us at the end

- Eddie, Riley's Dad

I'd like to end this with a poem a dear friend once sent me after I lost someone I loved deeply. This thing that is "grief" we will all experience in our own way, and I believe there is no right or wrong way in which to do that. I have also personally found it not to be something we get over but rather, something we learn to live with, and found, that to be the most difficult part. In this time that Riley's parents, and those who were closest to her enter into a new world of remembering dear Riley, I simply want to say: I see you. There is no timeline. Your grief is yours. And. I see you.

I think it's brave that you get up in the morning even if your soul is weary and your bones ache for a rest

I think it's brave that you keep on living even if you don't know how to anymore

I think it's brave that you push away the waves rolling in every day and you decide to fight

I know there are days when you feel like giving up but I think it's brave that you never do

- Lana Rafaela

 

Some ways you can continue to support Riley's family:

+ 🇿🇦 In our SA shop here

+ 🇺🇸 In our GLOBAL store here with worldwide shipping

+ Proceeds from the above sales will continue to be given directly to Riley's parents

+ If you prefer to give to the family directly, you can find Riley's back a buddy here