A local nonprofit is doing worlds of good for local NF families. Here's the scoop.
Credit: B The Difference
The holidays hit differently when your year is defined by MRIs, chemo cycles, specialist appointments and the impossible math of medical bills. That’s the reality for many families battling neurofibromatosis (NF), a serious genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. And it’s exactly why South Florida’s own B the Difference brings back its B Kind for the Holidays program every year, turning a traditionally stressful season into something softer, brighter and a little more possible.
Founded by sisters Stephanie Merritt Johnson and Jessica Merritt Roberts to honor their brother Brandon, who passed away from NF in 2011, B the Difference has spent more than a decade easing the load for families across the country. Their two programs – B Happy and B Kind – have funded all-expense-paid vacations, covered travel for out-of-state surgeries, helped with rent and groceries and delivered more than $420,000 in assistance to 181 families.
B Kind for the Holidays takes that mission and focuses it squarely on the season. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the nonprofit provides NF families with gift cards to help with holiday meals, presents or basic essentials. Since 2020, the initiative has supported 170 families and distributed more than $51,000, all directly to those who need it most.
“B the Difference created ‘B Kind for the Holidays’ to help the Neurofibromatosis community during a time of year that can be especially overwhelming and heavy,” co-founder Stephanie Merritt Johnson tells Browardist. “Many people fighting NF are juggling the cost of medications, treatment, or even rent and groceries, so gifts and holiday traditions often fall to the bottom of the list. This program gives families some breathing room so they can actually enjoy the season instead of stressing over it or feeling guilty about finances.”
How to help? A $500 donation sponsors an entire family, but truly any amount makes an impact.
Locals can donate, refer a family or learn more at bthedifference.org.
