B Kind for the Holidays Returns — Sharing Light, Love, and a Little Relief with Families Battling Neurofibromatosis

When the holiday season rolls around, joy and generosity often take center stage. But for families coping with neurofibromatosis—a rare and unpredictable genetic disorder that affects the nervous system—December can bring an extra layer of stress. That’s where B the Difference steps in with its annual B Kind for the Holidays program, a homegrown South Florida effort determined to lift spirits when it matters most.

Founded by sisters Stephanie Merritt Johnson and Jessica Merritt Roberts in honor of their brother Brandon, who passed away from NF in 2011, B the Difference (BTD) has turned personal loss into a legacy of hope. What began as a tribute has blossomed into a thriving nonprofit that wraps real support around families navigating this complex disease.

Through its B Happy program, BTD has already sent more than 60 families on all-expense-paid getaways—moments designed to replace hospital corridors and MRIs with beaches, laughter, and a breath of normalcy. Its sister initiative, B Kind, takes on the everyday challenges: groceries, rent, travel costs for medical appointments, and equipment that insurance often overlooks. Over $420,000 has been distributed to 181 families, with new referrals arriving each week.

And then comes B Kind for the Holidays—a seasonal tradition that captures everything B the Difference stands for. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the program delivers gift cards to NF families to help with holiday meals, presents, or whatever might bring a sense of calm amid chaos. Since 2020, 170 families have been touched by the program, with more than $51,000 in aid distributed.

“Every dollar we collect goes directly to a family in need,” says Debbie Merritt, BTD’s Executive Director and Brandon’s mother. “There’s no such thing as too small a donation—each $500 gift sponsors a family. What started as a simple way to spread joy has become a lifeline. With the cost of everything rising, donations often go toward groceries and bills—needs that don’t take a holiday.”

For those looking to channel some seasonal goodwill where it counts, the invitation couldn’t be clearer. B Kind for the Holidays is proof that small gestures can ripple outward, transforming what could have been a heavy season into one filled with light.

To donate or sponsor a family, visit donate.bthedifference.org/holidays-2025

For more information on the program, including how to refer a family, go to bthedifference.org/b-kind/b-kind-for-the-holidays

Learn more about B the Difference’s ongoing work at bthedifference.org

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