Meet the Officers and Volunteers of Just Enduring
Officers
Volunteers
We want to particularly thank all the volunteers that have helped our mission and honor those children who have inspired it.
Let us know if you’d like to volunteer to support parents who have lost a child.
Brecken’s Badges is Just Enduring’s annual recognition of a volunteer who strongly stood above everything to have an immeasurable impact on the parents, family and friends of child loss.
This award is named in honor of Brecken Kariniemi and his mom, Sarah, who was Just Enduring’s first volunteer. Since the day Brecken was born he had all things giraffe (thanks to the 2017 internet sensation of April the Giraffe live streaming the birth of her baby giraffe). Brecken kept a giraffe by his side during his entire battle with Alpers Syndrome. To this day, the Kariniemi’s, their family and friends, remember Brecken every time they see a giraffe.
The recipient of Brecken’s Badges displays courageous strength, just like Brecken during his battle (#BreckenStrong), and stands above all obstacles to see the bigger picture, just like a giraffe. Thank you Brecken for being a symbol of strength!
2021: Sarah Kariniemi
Working as our Social Media Coordinator, Sarah was the first volunteer for Just Enduring. She has been the inspiration for Brecken’s Badges, which have been named in honor of her son Brecken. She has put so much energy, passion and strength into helping Just Enduring’s mission. Sarah dedicated her time to create and implement our social media content across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. She has written nearly 400 posts across these social media channels to help Just Enduring connect with bereaved parents, family, friends and caregivers. We cannot thank Sarah enough for all of her outstanding work!!!
2022: Lester Hand
Just Enduring’s 2022 volunteer of the year and Brecken’s Badge award winner is Lester Hand. After following Just Enduring on social media, Lester decided he wanted to give back to other parents, family, friends and caregivers of child loss. So he created and ran his own golf fundraiser in honor of his daughter Lindsey and donated all proceeds to Just Enduring’s mission. Lester, along with Lindsey’s fighting spirit, raised more than $3,000!!! We cannot thank Lester enough for his initiative and determination to live and love so strongly after losing his daughter so that he might help others. Congratulations and well deserved, Lester!