Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Agnello. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Elizabeth, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I believe it was the moment when I knew what I felt compelled to do, after losing (due to financial constraints) the position I had held for ten years, serving children with life threatening illnesses. The foundation moved in a different direction and in that moment I knew what I would do in order to not turn my back on these extraordinary families: this was to found my own nonprofit to serve and bring joy to the lives of children with serious and life-threatening illnesses. I shared the vision with a close friend, who said unequivocally that there would be no way that Brave Little Fighters could fail because it will be led by the heart. I was surrounded with support but most of all believed in myself and my abilities along the way as I stayed the course to grow the program as much as possible from November 2019 onward to present day. I learned that being gentle with myself even in the face of a job loss would allow me flourish and serve others which is what I was put on earth to do. This is what brings me the greatest satisfaction in allowing me to touch the lives of others and create a more compassionate community here in Buffalo, NY.

Elizabeth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Brave Little Fighters, which I founded in 11/2019, creates a sense of belonging and brings hope + happiness to children with life threatening illnesses and their siblings and parents through joyful outings year round, all completely free of charge. In our first year, BLFF hosted 26 total outings. These bring smiles, even if just for a moment in time, to these amazing children who face such adversity and to their parents as well. The children display such courage and joy and one can see that their sense of fear + uncertainty dissipate in direct response to gathering together. They also look forward to the next date as well, often asking for the upcoming dates so that they can quickly put them on their calendars. Several parents have truly shared, “I had not seen my child laugh in so long and to watch them forming friendships with other Brave Little Fighters is so empowering to both them and the whole family.” It is almost like a built in network of support and a true extended family filled with innate understanding and compassion which Brave Little Fighter offers.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

It was the resilience I found after being diagnosed with cancer in February 2020, just on the cusp of the pandemic. I didn’t find it as quickly as I would have liked but the news takes a bit to process and then I think one goes into planning mode. I looked to my Brave Little Fighters as inspiration to me to endure this difficult time and became stronger so that I could return to the work that brings me so much joy and fulfillment. Also, luck was on my side as the cancer was caught relatively early at stage 2. It was a tough and unexpected journey, especially since we had lost my beloved father to cancer a few years earlier, but it is also an illness that many of our Fighters have found the strength and resilience to endure at a much younger age that I did. I also could see firsthand the sense of isolation one feels when sick and is suddenly unable to take part in the many joys life has to offer. At the very same time, hearing the words “you have cancer” has a way of causing one thereafter to appreciate every moment, feel more alive, and to love life even more fiercely. A beloved volunteer said to me during my cancer journey: “you are one Brave Little Fighter”. I really couldn’t imagine a higher compliment and I cherished it. I admire our Fighters even more now than before because of my own experience.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Atlas of the Heart and Braving the Wilderness, both by Brene Brown, have been deeply impactful for me. She speaks of the importance of vulnerability but also of emotional intelligence and self compassion.

This quote is an inspiration to me:

“Let your reach exceed your grasp or what’s a heaven for?” -Robert Browning

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravelittlefighters
• Linkedin: Www.linkedin.com/in/Elizabeth-agnello-13877227
• Other: gofundme.com/m7efn-brave-little-fighters-foundation

Image Credits
Nancy Dowdall + Elizabeth Agnello