About Brides with Heart
BWH is an events company that produces unique bridal experiences. Brides with Heart hosts a national tour with hundreds of heavily discounted new and pre-owned designer gowns available to purchase right off the sales floor, drawing in thousands of eager brides. Our events are interactive, fun shopping experiences. We offer lots of opportunities to keep brides engaged before and after our events with our giveaways, contests and charity campaigns.
A portion of all gown sales goes to Kawasaki Disease research, the leading cause of heart disease in children and other non-profits supporting research for childhood illnesses. We want to do all we can to save little hearts and shield families from the trauma these diseases can cause. This is just a small part, but it brings us joy to be able to contribute to such a great cause and raise awareness because early diagnosis isn't just important it's lifesaving!
About the Founder
Birch, a born entrepreneur with a lifelong passion for business, recognized a need for innovation within the wedding industry. Her own experiences, from shopping for her wedding gown to later selling it, revealed an opportunity to shake things up. As a "forever bride," as she calls herself, Birch's love for the industry is evident in every aspect of BWH.
BWH's mission is deeply personal for Birch. Her oldest daughter's battle with Kawasaki Disease, where she was given just 24 hours to live, instilled in Birch the harsh reality that many families aren't as fortunate. Though her daughter survived and is now thriving, this experience left an indelible mark. More recently, in 2024, Birch's youngest daughter was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Tourette's syndrome, rare childhood conditions that have profoundly impacted their family, at times leaving her daughter reliant on a wheelchair and unable to attend school in person. These experiences have given Birch firsthand insight into the trauma of childhood illnesses and the often-lacking community and support for those dealing with rare conditions.
Driven by these powerful experiences, Birch decided to merge her love for event planning with her unwavering commitment to supporting research for rare childhood illnesses. She is dedicated to making BWH a nationally recognized brand, not only for its contributions to the wedding industry but also for its significant impact on a cause so close to her heart.
Daphane Birch
Founder/Chief Executive Officer
What is Kawasaki Disease?
Kawasaki disease (KD), is a severe illness characterized by inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body that primarily affects young children and infants. Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children.
The disease is named after Tomisaku Kawasaki, a Japanese pediatrician who first described the illness in the medical literature in 1967.
It is estimated that more than 4,200 children are diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease in the U.S. each year. The cause of KD is unknown, although an agent, like a virus, is suspected.
More research is needed, and rarer diseases get fewer grants and even less visibility. The long-term effects of this disease are unknown, and more awareness is needed. We do know the havoc this disease causes so many families and want to do our part to make a difference.
For more information visit: KDfoundation.org
What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals. Physical and/or psychological risk factors can cause functional symptoms which include a variety of physical, sensory and cognitive symptoms that have yet to be explained by a recognised disease. Functional Neurological Disorders are considered to be multifactorial, which means many different risk factors can contribute to the development of the disorder. The symptoms are real and can cause impairment in quality of life that is similar to and in some respects worse than other neurological conditions. FND occupies a grey area between psychiatry and neurology that historically has failed to gain the interest of researchers and clinicians. The prevalence and potential reversibility of functional illness have peaked new research interests. New scientific findings are influencing how patients are diagnosed, treated, and creating an overall change in attitude toward Functional Neurological Disorder patients.
For more information visit: https://fndhope.org/
Charities we Support
University of California San Diego Kawasaki Disease Research Center
FND Hope - FND Hope International
Portman Research Group at Seattle Children’s Hospital
Kawasaki Disease Research at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital
Kawasaki Disease Research at Boston Children’s Hospital
Disclosure: We support 501(C) non-profits that have strong missions, and responsible use of donor funds. We also directly fund research by donating to the Kawasaki Disease Research Center. Our goal is to support research and raise awareness for rare childhood diseases and disorders. We currently support Kawasaki Disease research and Functional Neurological Disorder.