B the Difference

What is NF

Neurofibromatosis (NF), is a term for three distinct medical disorders: NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis. NF causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and can lead to blindness, bone abnormalities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities, and excruciating and disabling pain.

About Us

B the Difference was founded in October 2011 by Stephanie and Jessica Merritt to honor the memory of their brother, Brandon. When Brandon was 8 months old he was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF), a disease targeting the nervous system by developing tumors on nerve endings. Brandon never asked “Why me?” as NF compromised his ability to play sports and interact with children his age—if anything his physical disabilities allowed his personality to become incredibly nurturing and sensitive. B the Difference, the name and trademark of the Brandon Merritt Charitable Foundation, is not just a catchy name—we truly strive to make a difference one family at a time.

About Brandon

Brandon Merritt, lovingly referred to as "B" by his co-workers at Beaver Creek, was born in June 1988 and was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF1) eight months later. He was the youngest in his family, with two older sisters, Stephanie and Jessica, who made it their purpose to love and protect him.

Our B Happy Program

B Happy provides a much needed diversion from living with NF by providing a vacation of a lifetime to individuals with NF and their families. The B the Difference Board works with highly regarded NF doctors to select NF patients to be considered for this opportunity. The concept of this program is derived in Brandon Merritt’s memory and stems from his curiosity of adventure, love of the great outdoors and appreciation for the simple moments in life. B Happy allows participants the chance to escape hospital beds, routine tests, MRIs, chemotherapy and more to forget their everyday worries, while embarking on a journey they will never forget.

Our B Kind Program

B Kind was formed while our team was looking to assist families in alternative ways after temporarily suspending our B Happy program due to the pandemic. B Kind provides relief to NF families in the form of food assistance and medical and educational needs. While B Kind began as a COVID relief program, COVID- impacted expenses are no longer a prerequisite to be considered for relief.

B Kind has provided assistance to families through food security, rent assistance, laptops and tablets for online schooling, hotel funds for out-of-state surgeries and appointments, school supplies and uniforms, co-pays for surgeries, and more. Meet our B Kind families and learn more about their relief here.

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The Evolution of B the Difference

Meet our B Kind recipients

and read their inspiring stories here.

Remembering Brandon

On February 2, 2011, Brandon lost his battle with NF. Join us in remembering Brandon by watching this short video.

Aventura Magazine Feature