Alabama teenager is now the author of a book series, thanks to the help of one Birmingham nonprofit

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After their 11-year-old daughter Kennedy was quickly losing weight, Charles and Jen Bravata sought help from her pediatrician. Soon after, the ICU team at Children’s of Alabama diagnosed her with type 1 diabetes.

Now a thriving 13-year-old, Kennedy is eager to share her type 1 story with the world!

Here’s how the Birmingham nonprofit Children’s Harbor helps her find hope in her journey and encourage other kids.

Kennedy’s type 1 story

In February of 2023, Charles and Jen decided to change their own eating habits and start building a healthier lifestyle for the two of them. They were intermittently fasting, exercising more and losing weight.

Then, they noticed their daughter Kennedy dropping a lot of weight, but didn’t know why it was happening so quickly since they didn’t change her eating or lifestyle habits as they did their own.

Charles and Jen took Kennedy to the pediatrician just to double-check everything.

“When the pediatrician tested her blood sugar, it was over 600, and they told us to go to Children’s of Alabama immediately.

Once we got in, they ran some blood work, rushed her up to the ICU and diagnosed her with type 1 right there on the spot.”

Jen Bravata

How the Bravatas found Children’s Harbor

While they were in the ICU, a social worker found the Bravatas and told them about Children’s Harbor.

In case you don’t know, Children’s Harbor provides refuge, respite, and resources to families with children who have experienced a life-altering medical diagnosis. 

These no-cost services are offered at The Harbor Family Center at Children’s of Alabama and the 66-acre Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus.

“When we walked on the Lake Martin campus, I swear you could see Kennedy’s whole aura change. She could just be a kid again.

Children’s Harbor helped with all of that.”

Jen Bravata

Children’s Harbor offers families and their children unique ways—like Champions for Our Children and Spring Break at the Lake—to bond and cope with the overwhelming feelings of their diagnoses.

Families seeking help and resources for your kids: Check out Children’s Harbor!

Kennedy’s book series: Dia-bestie Adventures

When I spoke with Jen, she mentioned that one of the things Children’s Harbor worked on in counseling with Kennedy was putting energy into something new. Whether it be art, sports or photography, just something to take focus off of her diagnosis.

That’s how Dia-bestie Adventures was born.

Written and narrated by Kennedy herself, Dia-bestie Adventures captures the challenges and joys of living with type 1, while also inspiring other children with and without diabetes.

“I wanted to tell a story that reflected something full of heart and hope for kids who might be feeling scared or isolated.

This journey has meant everything to me. Seeing the way readers connect with the characters or hearing that it made someone feel seen or understood, it’s more than I ever imagined. It’s been healing and just the beginning of a much bigger dream.”

Kennedy Bravata

Finding comfort + community at Children’s Harbor

The book series features the Bravatas (including their four-legged family members) and Kennedy’s friends—one being Lily, her real-life dia-bestie!

“Kennedy met Lily at Children’s Harbor, who is her Dia-bestie on so many adventures [in the books].

We will be there and we will support them, but we’ll never understand what it feels like or what they’re going through. They found that together through Children’s Harbor, and we will forever be indebted to that.”

Jen Bravata

Let the Bravatas’ story be an example: Children’s Harbor is deeply committed to strengthening families through their resources.

Learn more about Children’s Harbor and their impact on families in Birmingham and beyond—follow them on Facebook + Instagram.

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