Honoring Kayven: A Look Back at 2025 & Our Vision for 2026
As Steven and I reflect on the past year and look toward the future, we are grounded by two things: that we carry Kayven into everything we do, and everything we do must begin and end with love.
Love for a boy who adored books, Legos, swimming, adventures, being a helper and a teacher. Love for a child whose laugh was contagious and whose curiosity never slowed him down. Love for a community that showed up, wrapped their arms around us, and helped transform unimaginable grief into purpose for both of us.
Some of our favorite memories of Kayven come from watching him help others and his creativity. Kayven loved Scouts, but he did not love selling popcorn, especially at storefronts. He struggled to find fun in it, and playing pretend shopkeeper only held his attention for so long. He would much rather play games, tell stories, or play pretend.
Then one day, without prompting or permission, he decided to do something different. Instead of selling popcorn, Kayven began helping shoppers load their groceries into their cars.
He found that he really enjoyed helping people with their groceries, and in a twist we never expected, grateful shoppers began giving him cash and donations for his pack. One shopper even returned later and donated a camping stove. He was not motivated by the money, though it certainly helped. He was motivated by the smiles, the thank yous, and the simple act of being useful, even when it meant choosing the option that required more effort.
He absolutely loved helping in this way. If we wanted him to do his homework without complaining, we would ask him to teach us the lesson or read to us.
This is how we carry Kayven forward with us. The work is not always easy, and it is not always what we would choose, but it is what is needed. By helping others, especially when it is hard, we find meaning, fulfillment, and Kayven’s love woven into everything we do.
Looking Back: What We Accomplished in 2025
As we look back on 2025, we are incredibly proud of what was accomplished but none of it belongs to us alone. Every milestone was made possible by your love, support, generosity, and willingness to show up alongside us. This work truly takes a community.
Together in 2025, we:
Built and installed additional Little Free Libraries, growing an active network of 18 libraries.
Gave away more than 1,000 new books to children at local clubs, camps, and community events
Collected and distributed hundreds of gently used books to children and neighborhoods through our Little Free Library network, made possible entirely by donations from our generous community. We are deeply grateful for your support.
Became the Charter Sponsor for Scouting America troop for girls in Derby
Sponsored ballet classes and karate to help children access enrichment opportunities
Supported community swim nights and a fishing derby through the DRC
Hosted the Celebrate Kayven FUNdraiser, bringing our community together to remember, celebrate, and give back
Created and distributed Kayven’s Helping Hands epilepsy awareness coloring books and bookmarks
Hosted seizure recognition and first aid classes, and collected and shared educational materials through clinics, libraries, and community events
Attended the 2025 PAME Conference, building meaningful relationships within the epilepsy community to further our mission
Helped host the Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas first-ever community Bingo event, expanding awareness and connection
Each of these accomplishments reflects Kayven’s love for learning, creativity, and helping others and each one was powered by people who believed in this mission. We are endlessly grateful for you.
None of this happened because of a single person. 2025 was powered by volunteers, donors, partners, Library Stewards, event helpers, and community members who believed in this mission. Kayven’s Helping Hands is, at its core, a community effort and we are deeply grateful for every hand that helped carry this work forward.
What 2025 Taught Us
As a growing nonprofit, 2025 taught us valuable lessons. We learned the importance of sustainability, thoughtful growth, and listening carefully to where needs are greatest. We gained clarity around capacity and asked ourselves questions like what we can do well now, and what we are preparing to do next or how can we make the most impact within our reach and budget.
Most importantly, we learned that Kayven’s story continues to guide every decision. When we ask ourselves “What should we do next?”, the answer always comes back to love, inclusion, and meaningful impact.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2026
As we step into 2026, we are intentionally expanding our focus to include stronger epilepsy education, awareness, and support initiatives. This shift has always been the plan, although not this soon.
At the same time, we want to be clear:
-Little Free Libraries are not going away. In fact, we plan to reach 25 active libraries by the end of 2026.
-Children’s enrichment remains a priority. We will continue to help and fund kid’s activities where it’s needed most.
After attending the PAME conference, we were deeply moved by people like us who had lost a loved one, as well as by organizations, researchers, doctors, and everyday individuals coming together to talk about real solutions to real problems.
When we left, we knew we needed to push forward to help fill the epilepsy gaps we had experienced and sadly learned were not uncommon. We are building upon our foundation, not moving away from it.
Literacy, enrichment, and epilepsy support will work together to reflect the full story of who Kayven was and to make adventures possible for all.
2026 Goals at a Glance
In the year ahead, our goals include:
Expanding epilepsy education, resources, and support connections with the creation and implementation of the Kayven’s Care Kits and a local Epilepsy Support Groups. Also continue to support and host Seizure Recognition and First aid trainings.
Launching and strengthening epilepsy-focused programs and partnerships. We will be local ambassadors for the Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas. We will also continue our community partnership with PAME.
Continuing to build and maintain Little Free Libraries and give away books to kids.
Increasing enrichment opportunities for children
Hosting another Celebrate Kayven Event in May
Strengthening our volunteer structure and leadership capacity
How You Can Help in 2026
Our mission moves forward because of people like you.
Donate
Financial support allows us to continue and expand our work across all pillars of our mission: libraries, enrichment, and epilepsy initiatives. Every dollar is used thoughtfully and transparently to make a direct community impact.
Volunteer
There are many ways to serve, including:
Little Free Library stewards
Book sorting and restocking or donating gently used books
Event volunteers (setup, check-in, games, clean-up)
Fundraising and sponsorship outreach
Administrative or planning support
Creative help such as design, writing, or photography
Help Us Plan & Host Events
Join a planning committee, bring new fundraising ideas, or help with logistics, vendors, and outreach. Events are where connection and impact come together.
Share & Advocate
Sharing our posts, inviting people to follow up, attending events, and talking about Kayven’s Helping Hands in your circles helps normalize conversations around epilepsy, inclusion, and community care.
Carrying Kayven Forward
As we move into 2026, we do so with hope, intention, and love. Kayven’s curiosity, courage, and kindness continue to guide this work and inspire everything we do.
Together, we are building a legacy of literacy, inclusion, and hope—one adventure at a time.
With love,
Kacey and Steven