Friends of Bradley's House of Hope
Our Story
Chapter 1: Origins
2005: Bradley Wilson, a child with disabilities from Troy, Ohio, served as the inspiration for extending aid to children in Nicaragua. Reverend Jim Wilson, Bradley’s father, spearheaded the initiative to construct the inaugural Bradley’s House of Hope building in Managua, providing essential physical and equine therapy for children with disabilities. (*Refer to Bradley’s story below for further details.)
2005: The first of many medical teams from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital embarked on a journey to collaborate with Bradley’s House of Hope, offering invaluable physical therapy services.
2008: The establishment of Friends of Bradley’s House of Hope marked a pivotal moment, led by Keith and Becky Taylor, Dr. Susan Wiley, and Reverend Jim Wilson. This US non-profit organization was formed to raise crucial funding for BHoH programming in Nicaragua.
2009: Bradley Wilson (1989-2009), a 2007 graduate of Troy High School in Ohio, passed away on January 11, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and inspiration.
2012: Witnessing growth and progress, the original Bradley’s House of Hope expanded its scope and transformed into a distinct Nicaraguan non-profit entity, now known as Tesoros de Dios (God’s Treasures).
Chapter 2: Expansion
2013: The inception of Bradley’s House of Hope, Bluefields, marks a significant milestone as programming operations are relocated to the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua, focusing on serving children with disabilities.
2015-2017: A period of robust expansion sees Bradley’s House of Hope, Bluefields, extending its reach across the Atlantic Coast, enhancing physical therapy, special education, and school reinforcement programming at four additional locations: El Bluff (2015), Kukra Hill and Pearl Lagoon (2017), and San Pancho (2018).
2016: Bradley’s House of Hope, Masaya, emerges with the establishment of a new center in the town of Las Crucitas, in the Masaya region, dedicated to providing essential physical therapy services. The construction of this center was made possible through the volunteer work of a team from Lebanon (Ohio) United Methodist Church.
2020: Bradley’s House of Hope, Ometepe, sees the construction of a new facility on the island of Ometepe, achieved through a collaborative effort with the Bible Church of Latin America (Castillo Church) to cater to families with children with disabilities in the community. The building, named The McDonel Center in memory of Jim McDonel, a devoted supporter of Friends of Bradley’s House of Hope, was completed by a team from Lebanon United Methodist Church, where Jim was a cherished member.
Chapter 3: The Future
2021 and Beyond: Continued Growth.
As we step into the future, our vision for Bradley’s House of Hope is one of continuous expansion and enhanced impact:
Increase the number of participants served from 250 to 300, enriching the lives of more children with disabilities and their families. Strengthen and refine the programs offered at the seven current program locations, ensuring that each child receives the support and resources they need to thrive. Explore and identify additional communities in Nicaragua where our services can make a meaningful difference, extending our reach to those in need. Renew and revitalize our partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, collaborating once again to bring essential medical teams to Nicaragua, providing crucial healthcare services to those we serve.
Bradley's Story
“Bradley Wilson has been our inspiration in bringing help for children with disabilities. His courage and determination serve as a reminder of the strength and value of all children who are struggling with life’s challenges. It is our mission to bring hope for a brighter future for these children in Nicaragua and other places in the world. All children deserve this no matter where they are born.”
– Keith Taylor, President, Friends of Bradley’s House of Hope
Bradley Wilson, born in 1989, once held a future brimming with potential. Tragically, at just six weeks old, his health took a devastating turn on Mother’s Day. Surviving a full cardiac arrest, Bradley was diagnosed with Group-B strep infection, leading to spinal meningitis and nearly complete brain damage. Despite this, he lived for 19 years, never progressing beyond the abilities of a newborn.
Supported by unwavering love, Bradley’s life was filled with care and adventure, from Yosemite National Park to Disney World. His occasional smile was a cherished gift to those who cared for him selflessly.
At age 19, Bradley passed away surrounded by his family at Dayton’s Children’s Hospital. His resting place, marked by a towering black granite cross, stands in southeastern Ohio.
In February 2005, Bradley’s father, on a mission trip in Nicaragua, encountered someone aiding special needs children. This encounter ignited a conviction to assist such children in Nicaragua, inspired by the belief that it’s not about why children are handicapped, but what can come from such conditions.