This Is How We Roll! 🛼🛼

A graphic illustration of kids rollerskating. A girl with red hair and a purple outfit skates with a skate trainer. Kyle rolls in his wheelchair with Nurse Leah rollerskating with him. A boy with vitiligo skates and smiles.

Let’s Have Fun Together: Activities for Everyone!

Marisa Hamamoto, Jennifer Norman and Kyle Norman at the Spectrum Skate event

Have you ever been to a super fun event where everyone is welcome, no matter what their abilities are? Well, let me tell you about an awesome event called Spectrum Skate! It was an exciting day filled with skating, games, and lots of smiles, all made just for people with different abilities. But that’s not all—we’ll also talk about other fun activities that people of all abilities can enjoy, so no one is left out of the fun!

What is Spectrum Skate?

Imagine going to a roller-skating party where everyone is invited to roll around the rink, play games, and just have a blast. That’s what happened at Spectrum Skate, an event hosted by Infinite Flow Dance, a super cool group founded by Marisa Hamamoto. The event took place at the Fountain Valley Skating Center in Southern California, and it was co-hosted by a fun skating expert named Dirty Deborah Harry.

What made this day extra special was that it was made for people with all sorts of different abilities. Over 20 friends with disabilities came to skate, play limbo, and enjoy the day with their family and friends. Even if they had never skated before, everyone was able to learn in a way that felt safe and fun!

A Skating Party for Everyone

At Spectrum Skate, the rink was designed to be sensory-friendly. This means that things like bright lights and loud music were kept at just the right level so that nobody felt overwhelmed. People could skate at their own pace, take breaks if they needed to, and just have fun without feeling pressured.

This was the very first time Kyle got on a skating rink! He loved how everyone could join in, whether they were beginners or pros. There was a fun game of limbo where people tried to skate under a bar while staying balanced on their skates. It was a great way to show that skating isn’t just about speed—it’s about having fun with friends!

Adaptive Skating: Skating in a New Way

Some people who attended Spectrum Skate used special roller skate trainers. Adaptive skating sure can help people feel better! It’s all about making sure that everyone, no matter their ability, can enjoy the feeling of gliding across the rink. Whether sitting down on special skates or holding onto a guide for balance, everyone got to feel the freedom of rolling on wheels.

Dirty Deborah Harry was there to cheer people on and help teach them how to skate. With her friendly attitude and years of experience in the skating world, she made sure everyone felt confident to give it a try. It didn’t matter if it was your first time on skates or if you were a pro—everyone was having fun together!

Other Fun Activities for People of All Abilities

Skating isn’t the only fun thing that people with disabilities can do. There are lots of activities out there where everyone can join in. Here are some other cool ideas:

1. Dancing for Everyone

Dancing is an awesome way to move your body and feel the music. Even if you’re in a wheelchair or need help with balance, adaptive dance makes sure everyone can join in. You can move your arms, roll to the beat, or even follow along with a partner. Dancing is all about expressing yourself, and there’s no wrong way to do it!

2. Wheelchair Basketball

Basketball is an exciting sport, and wheelchair basketball makes it easy for people who use wheelchairs to join the game. Just like regular basketball, players pass, dribble, and shoot to score points—but everyone plays sitting down. It’s fast-paced and super fun!

3. Yoga for Relaxation

Did you know that yoga can be adapted for all abilities? Adaptive yoga lets you stretch, breathe, and relax in a way that works for your body. You can do it sitting down, lying down, or using props to help you balance. Yoga helps you feel calm and strong, and it’s a great way to unwind after a busy day.

4. Making Art

Art is a fantastic way to express yourself, and you don’t need to be a professional artist to have fun with it! Art therapy is a way for people with disabilities to create their own artwork, whether through drawing, painting, or making sculptures. It’s a great way to show your feelings without using words, and you can be as creative as you want!

5. Riding Horses

Equine therapy lets people with disabilities spend time with gentle, friendly horses. Riding a horse can help with balance and strength, and it’s also a lot of fun! Plus, spending time with animals can help you feel calm and happy. It’s a special way to connect with nature and try something new.

6. Swimming

Do you love the water? Adaptive swimming is perfect for people who need help moving around. The water helps you float and makes it easier to move your body. Whether you’re swimming laps or just splashing around, it’s a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time.

Why Inclusive Activities Matter

Events like Spectrum Skate show us how important it is for everyone to be able to take part in fun activities, no matter their abilities. When activities are planned with everyone in mind, it means no one gets left out, and that’s how it should be! Everyone deserves to have fun, feel included, and share special moments with friends and family.

By making activities like skating, dancing, and swimming more accessible, we create more chances for people with disabilities to have fun and stay active. And when we all play together, we make our communities stronger and more caring.

How to Make More Fun Events

The best part about events like Spectrum Skate is that they make sure everyone can join in the fun. Whether it’s adjusting the lights and music or using special equipment, there are so many ways to make activities more inclusive.

If you’re thinking of planning a fun event or activity, here are a few things to think about:

  • Sensory-friendly spaces: Keep the lights and sounds at a level that’s comfortable for everyone.

  • Breaks and rest areas: Make sure there are places where people can take a break if they need to rest.

  • Helpful guides and teachers: Have friendly people like Dirty Deborah Harry at the event to help guide and encourage everyone.

  • Adapted equipment: Use special gear, like adaptive skates or seated yoga mats, so that everyone can take part.

  • Encouragement for all: Celebrate every win, no matter how small—whether it’s learning to skate for the first time or just joining in on the fun!

Wrapping Up the Fun

Spectrum Skate was a huge success because it showed that people of all abilities can come together, have fun, and move their bodies in a way that feels good for them. Whether you’re rolling around on skates, dancing to the beat, or trying out a new sport like wheelchair basketball, there are so many ways to enjoy activities made for everyone.

So next time you think about trying something new, don’t be afraid to join in, even if you need a little extra help. Fun should be for everyone—and when we all play together, that’s when the magic really happens!

Join SuperCaptainBraveMan at the Los Angeles Abilities Expo!

Hello, SuperCaptainBraveFans! We are a week away from the Los Angeles Abilities Expo which will take place at The Los Angeles Convention Center.

This trade event was launched in 1979 and has been America’s leading event for businesses to showcase their advancements in technology, products, and services that help aid and advance people with disabilities’ quality of life.

jenn, kyle and leah at last year’s abilities expo.

We believe that our mission at SuperCaptainBraveMan aligns perfectly with the values of the Abilities Expo. SuperCaptainBraveMan books provide kids with entertainment, representation, and a call to “Lead with Kindness.” We are so honored to be a part of this three-day event!

Catch us at booth 446 where you can purchase SuperCaptainBraveMan books, select merchandise, and meet Kyle and the rest of his Super Team.

The Abilities Expo is in Los Angeles, March 15-17 at the LA Convention Center, West Hall. Doors open at 11 am and admission is free! Just register before the event at abilities.com/losangeles.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Read Across America Week 2024

It’s Read Across America Week and we could not be more excited to share SuperCaptainBraveMan stories with you!

Read Across America Week is celebrated yearly on March 2nd through March 6th and begins on the birthday of author and cartoonist, Dr. Seuss. He wrote great children’s books that you may know, like The Grinch That Stole Christmas, Horton Hears a Who!, and The Cat in the Hat!

A special organization called The National Education Association (N.E.A.) encourages people everywhere to pick up a book and read, especially kids! There are so many great events and celebrations at this time in libraries, schools, and community centers!

The SuperCaptainBraveMan Team kicked off this great time of year at Lokrantz Elementary School in Los Angeles! We were invited to read our SuperCaptainBraveMan Books to the entire school at assembly.

We had a blast sharing SuperCaptainBraveMan’s stories and spreading our lesson about the Super Power of Kindness to all the kids and staff.

We hope you have a great Read Across America Week and you spend time with your friends and family reading amazing stories!

Welcome Kindness Into 2024!

It's another great year and we hope that you're going to do your Super Best to bring kindness into 2024!

2023 was a fantastic year for us at SuperCaptainBraveMan! Kyle continues to grow and thrive, impressing us every day with his progress and ability to learn more, make new friends, and have fun adventures!

We here at SuperCaptainBraveMan pledge to continue to highlight kids with special abilities and their heroic adventures all year long! Our messages of kindness and inclusion continue to propel us, making the new year full of endless possibilities.

Exciting things continue to happen and we hope to share them all with you soon! Join us on another great year of adventure!

Earth Day: Giving The Earth a Helping Hand

Earth Day

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Hey there, young eco-warriors! Have you heard of Earth Day? Every year, on April 23rd, we celebrate our amazing home and think about the various ways we can take care of the planet. But what does that really mean, and what are the ways that you can help?

Taking care of the Earth is all about using resources wisely. Resources are things we need, like water, energy, and materials. Resources are limited, and it’s our responsibility to ensure we can make those resources last or reuse them innovatively! So, let’s talk about some easy ways to use resources wisely and help the Earth!

Use Less Plastic

The most important thing you can do if you use plastics is to recycle them! Plastic takes a long time to break down and can negatively affect the environment. There are so many ways to replace plastics with things you use every day! Some examples are by using reusable bags instead of plastic bags when shopping. You can also use a refillable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.

Save Energy

Electric energy is what powers our homes and schools. You can save energy by turning off lights and electronics when you’re not using them. You can also ask your parents to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Save Water

Water is a precious resource, and it’s very important we don’t waste it. There are very simple ways to make sure you’re water-wise. You can save water by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth or by taking shorter showers. You can also ask your parents to fix any leaks in the house.

Plant a Garden

Plants are amazing for the Earth because they produce oxygen and clean the air. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a fun way to learn about nature and enjoy healthy food. You can start a garden in your backyard or at school.

Speak Up!

Finally, one of the most important things you can do is speak up for the Earth! You can write letters to politicians or start a petition to make your community greener. You can also talk to your friends and family about why taking care of the Earth is important.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are so many ways you can help the Earth. You can make a big difference by using resources wisely and making small daily changes. And the best part is that these habits can stay with you for life and help you improve the world as you grow up!

Diversity and Inclusivity in Children’s Literature: Educating with Compassion

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Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Children’s books are our first steps into the adventures of literature. From the earliest of ages, children enter a world filled with authors and characters that become as dear to them as anyone in the real world. They become our children’s first teachers, friends, and companions.

Authors like Dr. Seuss, characters like The Berenstain Bears, and sleepy-time staples like Good Night, Moon help shape our children’s moral compass, compassion, and awareness in loving and entertaining ways. SuperCaptainBraveMan is so proud to be among such literary giants when you and your family choose quality children’s book content.

Diversity and inclusivity are critical aspects of children’s lives, and, in turn, Children’s books can and should reflect the world around them. While the classic tales of our childhoods still hold lessons every child should know, it is essential to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, race, sexual orientation, or family background, are represented in the stories they read.

Representation Matters

For children with disabilities, finding characters, they can relate to in books can be challenging. We all love a good superhero story! Where the main character fights the bad guy, saves the friend, and learns new ways to share their powers with others! It is easy to get attached to that character and find ways you’re similar to them. But how about if that superhero has a trach? Or if he’s wearing his cool AFO leg braces? What happens when a child with disabilities sees a superhero with disabilities? When children with disabilities see characters with similar experiences, it can help them feel seen, heard, and validated. We can attest to this fact every time a mother, father, or caretaker tells us that their child with a disability sees themself in SuperCaptainBraveMan.

Similarly, children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds may not always see themselves reflected in the books they read. By including diverse characters in children’s books, we can help all children feel seen and cherished.

Breaking Stereotypes

Children's books featuring diverse characters can also help to break down stereotypes and biases. For example, children's books that feature characters with disabilities can help to dispel myths about what it means to have a disability. Books that depict characters from different races and ethnic backgrounds can also help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding.

It is important that children's books featuring diverse characters are written and illustrated respectfully and authentically. A refreshing dive into newer children's books showcase authors and illustrators who have lived experience, are diverse, or have done extensive research to create realistic and nuanced portrayals of diverse characters.

Encouraging Empathy

Reading children's books featuring diverse characters can also encourage empathy and understanding in children. When children see characters who are different, it can help them develop a broader perspective and a greater understanding of the world around them. This can lead to greater compassion and empathy for others, encourage kids to learn about customs different from theirs, and lead with kindness.

Promoting Inclusivity

We are so lucky to live in a time where children's books represent various experiences, backgrounds, and abilities. The amount of different voices and stories Children's books provide only helps build our children's view of the ever-changing yet beautiful world we all share. Children's literature can be critical in promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity as we work towards a more inclusive society.

The Disagreement Duel: What Can Be Done When We Don't See Eye to Eye?

There are a lot of things in this world that we all can agree on. We all know how yummy ice cream is. We also can agree that music is fun to dance to. And what about reading stories? Books are always a fun way to spend time together. But what's the best ice cream flavor to eat? How about the best song to listen to? What if I want Mommy to read an adventure book, but my little sister wants to hear a story about a silly pet? There are plenty of times when it can be challenging to agree on something. There is a variety of different things that people have opinions on, and sometimes those opinions can clash. Even with friends and family members you typically agree on everything with, there can be moments where you disagree. So how can you handle disagreements? Is there one right way to make sure you never disagree again?

Knowing how to interact with people who don't always agree with you is a good habit. We might not always see eye to eye with others, but it's important to remember that everyone has their own opinion and that it's okay to disagree sometimes. We all have different points of view and often think there's only one way to tackle an issue.

There are a bunch of ways to handle disagreements productively. It's very easy to slip into an argument when you disagree with someone. When your Mommy tells you and your little brother to pick one cereal at the supermarket, and he wants Fruity Pebbles, but you want Cheerios, that can turn into a disagreement, and you might not be able to come up with a solution. That's okay. Sometimes we are so focused on convincing others that our opinion is better. An excellent first step is recognizing that our opinions on some things might not be the best way to settle a situation. Being respectful is a perfect start to handling disagreements. Even if you disagree with your little brother, it's still important for him to voice his opinion. This means not being rude or saying things like, "That's silly. Cheerios are better!" Like you, your brother has the right to have his own opinion.

We must also listen actively, which is a way of paying attention to what they are saying. Sometimes we believe our opinion is so right that we forget to look at the other person's perspective. Take a moment to consider why their opinion is different by asking questions, being kind, and always saving your response for after they finish talking.

Another way to approach a disagreement is by looking for common ground. Common ground means finding something in their opinion you might agree with. If your little sister wants Strawberries, but you want Raspberries, think about what you like about strawberries. You may like how they taste in a cake. Compromise can be a great way to settle a disagreement.

It's important to take care of yourself and not let an opinion different from yours make you feel upset or angry. But sometimes, when we cannot agree, even after practicing all of our steps, the best thing to do might be to walk away. Take a second to cool down and let the other person cool down too. Remember, when disagreements are little or big, you can't forget to ensure you are okay at the end of one.

Everyone is different and has a unique way of viewing the world. This diversity is what makes friendships so amazing! It's important to respect and appreciate these differences, even when we don't agree. Keep your Super Power of Kindness handy when you have disagreements. You'll be glad you did!

Winning at Losing: Being Kind to Yourself and Others After You Lose a Game

Winning at Losing

Everyone loves playing a good game! Some of the best moments in life are playing in a team in a competition. Whether a friendly game of kickball on the playground or a rainy day board game with your family, games can be a great way to develop strategic thinking, cooperation skills, and bonding time. But what happens when a game doesn’t go your way? What if you’re on the losing side of a competition?

It’s an important fact that losing can be upsetting. It’s natural to be disappointed when you lose a game, especially when you work hard to try and achieve a goal. But, it is equally important to remember that the risk of losing is a part of playing any game. Losing can also be an opportunity to learn from mistakes.

Losing can reinforce lessons that can help kids grow. Winning can feel great. We enjoy pushing for success and avoiding failure. But losing is a part of any game. It’s easy to connect failure with the opposite of winning, but that’s not true. Losing is a part of success. Without loss, the vital lessons that games provide will never be learned.

Losing a game teaches us that perfection isn’t a goal to aim for. There is always room for growth and improvement. It can also remind us that perseverance is a win in its own right. When we lose at a game, it’s so easy to give up. But, when we lose, learn from a game, and pick ourselves up to try again, we can set ourselves up for success the next time. That resilience helps create the determination and drive it takes to reach our goals.

One of the most important parts of losing a game is a lesson in kindness and empathy. When you win a game, and your opponent feels bad, you most likely meet them with kind words. Just like how you extend kindness their way, it’s important to remember that if you lose, kindness to the winner is good too. Everybody has those days. Everybody is capable of failing. We all share similarities when it comes to competition. Being kind and supportive reflects your kindness and empathy even when things don’t go your way.

Everyone loves playing a good game! Some of the best moments in life are playing in a team in a competition. Whether a friendly game of kickball on the playground or a rainy day board game with your family, games can be a great way to develop strategic thinking, cooperation skills, and bonding time. But what happens when a game doesn’t go your way? What if you’re on the losing side of a competition?

It’s an important fact that losing can be upsetting. It’s natural to be disappointed when you lose a game, especially when you work hard to try and achieve a goal. But, it is equally important to remember that the risk of losing is a part of playing any game. Losing can also be an opportunity to learn from mistakes.

Losing can reinforce lessons that can help kids grow. Winning can feel great. We enjoy pushing for success and avoiding failure. But losing is a part of any game. It’s easy to connect failure with the opposite of winning, but that’s not true. Losing is a part of success. Without loss, the vital lessons that games provide will never be learned.

Losing a game teaches us that perfection isn’t a goal to aim for. There is always room for growth and improvement. It can also remind us that perseverance is a win in its own right. When we lose at a game, it’s so easy to give up. But, when we lose, learn from a game, and pick ourselves up to try again, we can set ourselves up for success the next time. That resilience helps create the determination and drive it takes to reach our goals.

One of the most important parts of losing a game is a lesson in kindness and empathy. When you win a game, and your opponent feels bad, you most likely meet them with kind words. Just like how you extend kindness their way, it’s important to remember that if you lose, kindness to the winner is good too. Everybody has those days. Everybody is capable of failing. We all share similarities when it comes to competition. Being kind and supportive reflects your kindness and empathy even when things don’t go your way.

ANGRY! What can I do when my child gets frustrated?

Life is full of super great moments! Each adventure can bring excitement, happiness, and lots of fun. But sometimes, moments can get us a little frustrated or even angry. An angry mood can sometimes damper the joy of an adventure, and it can be hard to get rid of that feeling. So what do we do when kids feel a little frustrated? How can we recognize things that upset them? And what do we do after they're done being angry?

An important thing to remember is that everyone can get angry. It's a normal emotion that you and your kids feel sometimes. People often get frustrated when things go differently than planned, when something is a little tricky to achieve, or if they can't get something they want right away. These things often lead to angry reactions like yelling, screaming, or crying. The results often create a larger and more stressful situation.

Children require their emotions to be validated, and recognizing anger is essential in resolution. Being angry is a proper emotion kids feel is true and real to their situation. It's often hard to remember that in heightened circumstances. Something to remember, however, is that although that feeling is valid, behavior is something your kids can control. A more likely situation that creates frustration between you and your child isn't their anger; it's the behavior that follows. Being angry is okay. How you work out that anger appropriately is a workable course during outbursts.

A great start to helping your child handle their anger is checking in with your emotional response. None of us are perfect regarding flare-ups and terse situations that can spring up suddenly. An awareness helps diffuse things that tend to escalate into a problem. A child receiving the wrong side at mealtime or bringing the wrong toy on a car trip can sometimes be catastrophic. While these situations seem inconsequential to us, to a child, who doesn't have the life experience to process their emotions appropriately, these moments can cause major upset, which in turn can cause you frustration. 

Remember that not reacting to your child's behavior doesn't mean you've given in. It's important to understand that appropriate disciplining isn't in the middle of a meltdown. Employ methods that work for you and your child. An example, encourage your child to take a breath alongside you or give each other space. Problems are best resolved when tempers are settled. 

Please encourage your child to get familiar with their signs of anger. You can help diffuse a situation by noticing when an eruption can occur. Recognizing physical signals like jaw-locking and fist-clenching can help you by getting ahead of a potential crisis.

Some children tend to feel embarrassed or sorry for their emotional outbursts. A practical way to confront uncomfortable emotions is to approach them calmly and in a way that leads to a productive outcome. A helpful method following an eruption can be discussed openly with your child. Ask them why they were upset, what triggered that response, or how things could have ended differently. Remember that your child can set the tone of what they're comfortable discussing. If frustration remerges, drop the conversation, you can always return to the topic at a calmer time.

Anger happens. It's an emotion that we all share. Although it can sometimes be frustrating, listening with attentive ears, a rational mind, and an open heart can help any little superhero! The best part about the people we love is their varied emotions and ability to compromise when things get rough. 

We found these articles helpful in researching this blog post:

Responding to Anger in Children

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/passive-aggressive-diaries/201402/reponding-anger-in-children

Helping Your Child With Anger Issues

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/help-your-child-with-anger-issues/

Angry Kids: Dealing with Explosive Behavior

https://childmind.org/article/angry-kids-dealing-with-explosive-behavior/

GTubes: What Are They and Why Do Some Kids Need Them?

Energy is vital to any superhero's mission, so growing heroes must get their daily balance of nutrition to keep their adventures going!

One of the most important ways a kid can get their energy is from nutritious food and a healthy diet. Typically, this is accomplished by eating a healthy balance of proteins, vegetables, starches, and fruits by mouth. But what about kids who can't eat by mouth? How can they be assured that they receive the appropriate nutrition? One way that some kids get their food is through a GTube.

A GTube, or Gastrostomy Tube, is a surgically placed device in the belly that directly pipes enteral (liquid nutrition) formula into the stomach.

Kids need GTubes for different reasons. Sometimes, GTubes are placed when a child has difficulty swallowing, has congenital disabilities that interfere with their ability to eat, or has difficulty meeting milestones regarding their weight or nutrition absorption.

GTubes are placed only in extreme situations when a child cannot physically have nutrition through their mouth. Children and parents first meet with their doctors, Gastroenterologists, and care teams. Before, during, and after the procedure, the child and family are given instructions about GTube care, feedings, and potential problems they can run into. All of this is vital to proper care and use of GTubes.

GTubes can be a pivotal part of a child's developmental progress. But sometimes can be a point of frustration. Having the ability to eat by mouth compromised can be an uncomfortable thought, and those feelings are valid. An important note is being able to relate to your child's needs for growth and adequate nutrition. How you and your child approach life with a GTube are strictly personal to your family's journey. Utilizing the knowledge of your healthcare team and other parent-led GTube communities on social media can benefit you.

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and be Super, and that starts with healthy nutrition!

Check out these GTube-themed and Nutrition stories we've enjoyed, and feel free to start the conversation in the comments below!

Happy New Year!

Hello to the new year!

2023 is here and we’re so excited to share our plans for the coming year.

But first, let’s catch up with what the SuperCaptainBraveMan team did in 2022!

This year, Kyle turned 16. And by the end of the year, he has grown to an amazing 4 feet 4 inches. Which means that sooner rather than later, he’ll be taller than both Nurse Brigette and Nurse Leah!

2022 was a year of collaborations for us.

Partnering with O & P in Motion, 2 murals featuring SuperCaptainBraveMan are now proudly displayed on the outside of their Los Angeles location.

We also had the privilege to collaborate with Marc Laver and his initiative, Jonnie and Friends. This inspiring initiative led the restoration of Universal Universe’s All Access Playground. We are so thankful and honored to be part of such a lovely project.

And we here at SuperCaptainBraveMan want to send out a special thanks to Fenton Primary School for hosting our first live book reading since the pandemic. We love sharing our stories with kids and have missed seeing all of the excited faces live and in person.

New Year, New Merch!

We’ve added more items to our shop! In addition to our T-shirts, you can now order hats, beanies, PJ pants, and “One Brave Kid” shirts. Even our four legged friends can get their SuperCaptainBraveMan on with our doggie kerchiefs featuring Mochi!

Head over to our shop to grab some garb to dress in SuperCaptainBraveMan head to toe!

This year—more than most—reminded us all that we are beyond grateful for each and every one of you. Your support, comments, and likes mean the world to us.

Our continued love for creative stories that showcase inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do. From diabetes to Down Syndrome, SuperCaptainBraveMan strives to teach kids about kindness, empathy, and the power to connect to the superhero inside.

Happy 2023!

Comment below with your New Year’s resolutions and hopes for the coming 12 months.

Stay safe and stay brave, SuperCaptainBraveFAM!

National Superhero Day at Fenton Primary School!

What makes a superhero? Is it the power to fly high? The ability to leap over buildings? Or is it catching the bad guy before dinner time? While we can all agree that these talents are super, we at SuperCaptainBraveMan believe that the one thing that makes a superhero is: Kindness!

On National Superhero Day, April 28th, the SuperCaptainBraveMan Team had the honor of visiting Fenton Primary Center School to read their TK through 2nd graders The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan books! This fantastic event was our first live book reading since the COVID-19 lockdown!

We were so impressed with how well these little superheroes listened and participated in our SuperHero Storytime! All of these super kids wore their best superhero costumes. Thank you to Mrs. Salazar and the incredible staff and teachers at Fenton Primary School for welcoming us so warmly! You guys are the real Super Crew!

Thanks for allowing us to celebrate National Superhero Day with you all! We are so grateful to help kids unlock their superhero power of kindness!

Jonnie and Friends Reach For the Stars and Universal Universe’s Playground Renovation

Hello everyone! We hope the weekend was super, especially with your Super Hero Mamas!

A neighborhood park is a great place to play and enjoy time outside. They're even more fun when you play with friends! In our first book, The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan, Book 1: A Day at the Park, SuperCaptainBraveMan helped a young girl in a wheelchair named Emily make new friends at her favorite park.

Someone who knows just how fantastic neighborhood parks are is Marc Laver. His son, Jonnie, was a young boy who enjoyed playing at local parks. Jonnie utilized a wheelchair to get around, and Marc and his wife Linda made it their mission to add inclusive play features to existing parks. In 2005, the City of Sacramento asked Jonnie and his family to cut the ribbon on Southside Park's new Universal Universe Playground, one of the first all-access playgrounds in Northern California. Following Jonnie's passing in 2019, Marc and his family created an amazing initiative called Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars. The fundraising effort was created to renovate Universal Universe's Playground, update its play equipment, and fix general wear and tear due to years of play.

We were delighted to hear about Marc and Jonnie's story and were honored to be invited to participate in this epic event! SuperCaptainBraveMan and the team donated books, shirts, and stickers to their raffle event held on Saturday, May 7th! We were so happy to receive amazing photos of the event.

Thank you, Marc, and everyone at Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars! The beautiful initiative you have begun creates a space for kids to assemble, play, and make new friends! The need for all-access playgrounds for kids of all abilities is so important.

SuperCaptainBraveMan Mural Project at O&P in Motion

Hello SuperCaptainBraveTeam! It's Victor here with a SuperCaptainBraveMan update!

We here at SuperCaptainBraveMan believe that heroic kids of all abilities can achieve their biggest dreams and adventures, just like SuperCaptainBraveMan does in our stories! But just like SuperCaptainBraveMan, sometimes a little help can get them closer to reaching those epic goals.

To Kyle (and to many with a child with a disability in your life), "little help" appears in the form of medication, external devices, and Super Sidekicks like doctors and specialists.

One of these Super Sidekicks is Kyle's Orthotic Team at O&P In Motion. O&P In Motion is a company that specializes in creating, customizing, and even designing braces for kids with scoliosis and foot orthosis. Located in Reseda, California, O&P in Motion has crafted these "Super Suits" for kids in the Los Angeles area for 22 years! Phillip Ambroset and his fantastic crew have customized Kyle's personal DAFO (Dynamic Ankly Foot Orthosis) leg braces his entire life! We are so grateful to O&P in Motion and their dedication to helping kids feel and look super!

O&P in Motion has two grand walls with murals on each side of its building. Following an appointment to get Kyle's DAFO braces fitted, Kyle's mommy, Jennifer, asked Phillip and the team about the murals. While the murals are beautiful and showcase children at play in their orthotics and prosthetics, Phillip told Jennifer that the exterior murals needed a little care. The outside paint had dulled slightly from the sun and hadn't had a proper refurbishment in 22 years! Knowing how important this place is and how much they do for families and kids, Jennifer brought up the idea of rejuvenating O&P in Motion's murals.

Along with Jennifer, Phillip, and the crew at O&P in Motion, I drew mock-ups for new art for the murals. The illustrations include a sweeping rainbow, kids running and playing in their O&P orthotics, and Kyle as SuperCaptainBraveMan, flying high above! Needless to say, we were all so excited to make this dream a reality. After contacting the amazingly talented Pidge Jobst, aka Topanga Muralist, we were ready to roll! Painting coverage has begun on the exterior walls of O&P in Motion! This brilliant company has done so much to help the children of their community rise up, stand tall, and tackle any adventure. It's our honor to be involved in such a great project.

As the month progresses, stay tuned here at the SuperCaptainBraveMan blog to watch this epic masterpiece come alive! We'll be posting progress pics and videos regularly! We are so excited!

Big thanks to Phillip Ambroset, Pidge Jobst, and the team at O&P in Motion for bringing us along on the amazing adventure!

It All Started A Long Time Ago...

For 5 years, SuperCaptainBraveMan has flown from the park to the savannah and beyond on his adventures. Unlocking the Super Power of Kindness from within, he’s helped kids better understand each other and the world around them.

But how did it all start?

How did he get his name?

When did he begin his adventures?

Who helped SuperCaptainBraveMan find the hero inside?

These questions and more will be answered in our newest book!

Just in time for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week, we are proud to announce the release of our 5th hardcover book in The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan series!

The Adventures of SuperCaptainBraveMan Book 5: The Hero Inside

Available on September 20, 2021 at the SuperCaptainBraveMan Shop, as well as Amazon.

Join Kyle as he remembers his very first adventure and makes friends that will last a lifetime.

As always, SuperCaptainBraveFam,

Stay safe and Stay Brave.

www.supercaptainbraveman.com

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