There is No “I” in Brave

Guest: Jessica Patay In part one of this week’s “In Conversation” interview, we sit down with Jessica Patay as she tells us about her upbringing and the profound experiences that inspired her to create the powerful non-profit We Are Brave Together. We Are Brave Together aims to support, empower, and provide resources for mothers who are caregivers to children with disabilities, diagnoses, or mental health struggles. Jessica opens up about being raised in a large, blended family in Southern California. She recalls lively memories like being on the high school drill team and emphasizes how her tight-knit friend group provided invaluable stability and joy amid the chaotic family dynamics. Despite a non-traditional childhood, Jessica’s strong bonds gave her a deep well of love and support. Those formative relationships cultivated Jessica’s appreciation for community - something that became vital when her son Ryan was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Prader-Willi Syndrome as an infant. Her experiences navigating Ryan’s needs ultimately inspired her to found We Are Brave Together in 2017 to uplift and empower other caregiving moms. Our candid discussion lays the groundwork for part two, where we’ll explore Jessica’s mission and the vital work of We Are Brave Together in more detail.