Keeping Kayven's Spirit Alive: Inspiring Adventures, Empowering Lives
About Us
Kayven’s Helping Hands Foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of Kayven Hopper, a bright, adventurous, and imaginative young boy who touched the lives of everyone around him. Kayven loved to explore, create, and be part of the action. Whether he was scouting, practicing martial arts, or playing music, Kayven approached life with an energy that was both inspiring and infectious.
Often barefoot and shirtless, he could be found outside playing with friends or making a splash at the pool with his signature cannonballs. His love for reading transported him to worlds of adventure, fueling his boundless imagination. Kayven’s adventurous spirit and love for learning continue to inspire us every day.
Why Adventures Matter
For Kayven, life was an adventure—whether through books, outdoor play, or meaningful experiences. His passion for exploration and discovery drives our mission to create opportunities that inspire children and support those facing unique challenges. Adventures symbolize growth, connection, and the chance to dream big, values we hope to instill in the lives we touch.
Our Story
Kayven tragically lost his battle with epilepsy on November 30, 2023. He had experienced febrile seizures from a young age and was diagnosed with epilepsy early that year. Navigating treatments and accessing local resources proved challenging for Kayven’s family, revealing gaps in support for individuals and families dealing with epilepsy.
Determined to honor Kayven’s memory and help others, his parents, Kacey and Steven Hopper, were inspired to give back to their community. Together, they founded Kayven’s Helping Hands Foundation to share Kayven’s love for adventure, learning, and connection with others.
Our Mission: Making Adventures Possible for All
Our mission is rooted in Kayven’s adventurous spirit, aiming to empower children and families through three core initiatives:
Literacy: Promoting a love for reading with programs like the Little Free Library, ensuring every child has access to the magic of books.
Enrichment Fund: Providing resources for camps, clubs, and activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.
Empowerment: Connecting individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers to critical resources, education, and support, especially in central and rural Kansas.
Join Us on This Journey
Kayven’s Helping Hands Foundation celebrates the power of community and the legacy of a boy who lived life with joy and imagination. Together, we can create opportunities for others to embark on their own adventures, making a difference in the lives of children and families across Kansas and beyond.
Sponsor a Library, Become a Steward, or Donate Books
Join us in promoting literacy and making books accessible to children in need!
Sponsor a Library: Help us build a Little Free Library in your community. Outdoor libraries cost approximately $500, and indoor libraries cost $200. Your sponsorship covers construction, installation, and initial book stocking.
Become a Steward: Take care of a library by monitoring book levels, swapping out books, and communicating any needs with us. It’s a fulfilling role that costs you nothing!
Donate Books: Have gently used children’s books? We’d love to add them to our libraries.
Complete this form to coordinate your donation or sponsorship today. Together, we’re inspiring adventures through reading!