Bandanas for the Brave is a registered non-profit charity founded and run by Simon and Ellen Vance. The charity was inspired by their family’s personal journey following the diagnosis of their second son, Todd, with a brain tumour on Christmas Eve 2008. Simon and Ellen are parents to three sons—Cameron, Todd, and Carter—and Todd’s experience has been the driving force behind the charity’s mission. After an extensive 92-week course of chemotherapy, Todd’s tumour is thankfully now stable.
At the start of his treatment, Todd was among the fortunate few who did not initially lose his hair. However, one year into chemotherapy, he suffered an anaphylactic reaction that required a significant change to his treatment and medication regimen. One of the major side effects of this change was hair loss. This experience had a profound impact on Todd and his family and became a pivotal moment that inspired them to help other children and families facing similar challenges during their cancer journey.
Reflecting on this time, Ellen recalls:
“When Todd lost his hair, it was absolutely devastating for him. It happened so quickly—one day he had a full head of hair, and within days it was all gone. We were completely unprepared. Emotionally, it was incredibly difficult for our whole family. It was a stark wake-up call that, yes, my son was really sick.”
Motivated by this experience, the Vance family took action. Ellen explains:
“What we are trying to do is simply help prepare families by having a bandana ready. During treatment, so much is happening that parents may not have the time or capacity to think about these things. Their priority is, quite rightly, to be by their child’s side and offer support.”
The family sought a practical and comforting solution—something that looked good, provided protection from the sun, and kept children warm when needed. This led them to discover BUFF®, whose bandanas met all of these requirements. After contacting the company and sharing their vision for the charity, BUFF® generously agreed to support the initiative and has remained committed to the cause.
The response to Bandanas for the Brave has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong support from parents, children, and medical staff across numerous hospitals. This encouragement represents an important step forward for the charity, and the team is deeply grateful for the opportunity to support families during such a challenging time.
Until recently, the Vance family personally funded the initiative. Now, as a registered charity, Bandanas for the Brave is able to seek broader support and raise funds, enabling them to reach and assist as many children and young people as possible.
If you can help in any way, by getting involved, by donating financially or by giving your time please get in touch using the contact form.
Thank you.
The Vance Family
