Best Day Ever Foundation Overview
Best Day Ever Foundation is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to connecting the community of parents and families who have lost their child. We provide ways for the families to unite outside of traditional grief counseling sessions in addition to finding them the right resources and when they need it most. The benefits of our model provide reciprocal support for families effected by their traumatic loss. Each family, as well as each family member grieves the loss differently, however we’ve learned true healing begins by connecting with those who have walked in your shoes and understand your loss. Whether it’s from pediatric cancer, another illness or any circumstance, the journey doesn’t end when your child dies, but it does become more difficult to navigate. The Best Day Ever Foundation goes beyond the hospital stay and the funeral. It’s the void that comes next that we want to fill. Together, we can lift each other up.
Our Background
The Best Day Ever Foundation was founded in 2020 by Amy Kappen, who lost her only daughter, Sophia, at age 6 to pediatric cancer. Sophia was one of three children, an older brother, Niko (age 8 at her passing), and her twin brother, Finn. Sophia’s one-year fight with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was publically documented in which their community beautifully rallied behind them every step of the way. But after Sophia died, it became quieter and even awkward. It was uncomfortable to know what people should say or do after such a tremendous loss.
Sophia had an incredible perspective on life, even at such a young age. She would endure what any of us would consider the worst possible days in the hospital going through horrendous procedures and disease responses. But at the end of each day, she would be sitting alongside one of her parents and declare each day, the “Best Day Ever.” Sophia found the joyful moments. Family and friends were at the top of her list. We know life is never perfect all the time. She found a way to focus on the joy, even when in pain.
When Sophia was given two weeks to live, she fulfilled her six year-old’s bucket list and made each of her final days the “Best Day Ever,” even adopting a puppy for her family to make them smile. And you guessed it, she named the dog, Best Day Ever, or BestD for short.
After Sophia passed away, it quickly became apparent how difficult it was to find the right grieving resources and when you need them. After working hard to find counselors, group sessions, other families, and everything in between, Amy decided to find a way to better unite the families who need to lean on each other and to work together to find joy again to make today the Best Day Ever.
To read Sophia’s entire journey, visit her Caring Bridge blog at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sophiakappen
What We Do
The Best Day Ever Foundation:
- will provide ways to connect through professional services referral listings for services needed in the community following the death of a child, including grief counselors, support groups and other organizations qualified to assist with specific family needs
- will engage and partner with other non-profit organizations concerning pediatric cancer and the loss of a child
- will sponsor seminars and workshops open to families who have endured the loss of a child where resources are made available and families can connect, to express concerns and share experiences with others;
- will publish a periodic newsletter containing information about family experiences and opportunities within the community
- will engage in other activities related to educating the public about the loss of a child and the impact of a family with a goal to help them regain joy in their lives again.
Sophia had an incredible perspective on life, even at such a young age. She would endure what any of us would consider the worst possible days in the hospital going through horrendous procedures and disease responses. But at the end of each day, she would be sitting alongside one of her parents and declare each day, the “Best Day Ever.” Sophia found the joyful moments. Family and friends were at the top of her list. We know life is never perfect all the time. She found a way to focus on the joy, even when in pain.
When Sophia was given two weeks to live, she fulfilled her six year-old’s bucket list and made each of her final days the “Best Day Ever,” even adopting a puppy for her family to make them smile. And you guessed it, she named the dog, Best Day Ever, or BestD for short.
After Sophia passed away, it quickly became apparent how difficult it was to find the right grieving resources and when you need them. After working hard to find counselors, group sessions, other families, and everything in between, Amy decided to find a way to better unite the families who need to lean on each other and to work together to find joy again to make today the Best Day Ever.