The Be Brave Baylee Foundation has reached a milestone of $1 million in cumulative donations to the University of Utah Health Burn Center, according to a November 2 report. Established by Nicole and BJ Hoaldridge, the foundation supports burn survivors and their families through essential supplies and camp funding.
The foundation provides Be Brave Baylee Bags to families arriving at the Burn Center. These bags contain essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, soft blankets, makeup remover wipes, and deodorant. The Hoaldridge family also includes money and gift cards in these bags to help families purchase food. This initiative began after the family received a similar gift of items from another family while they were caring for Baylee at the hospital.
In addition to comfort bags, the foundation supports the Burn Camp Program to help survivors build confidence and connection. While the program was founded in 1993, the Hoaldridge family's contributions have helped ensure that all five University of Utah Health burn camps remain free for children and young adults treated at the center. In 2025, students at Mountain Ridge High School supported the foundation by raising $126,000 during their annual holiday rally.
The foundation was created following the death of Baylee Hoaldridge on November 16, 2015. Baylee suffered burns over 65% of her body following a side-by-side RZR accident. Dr. Giavonni Lewis, who served as a junior attending physician during Baylee's care, is now the director of the Burn Center.
The University of Utah Health Burn Center receives approximately 6,500 outpatient visits each year from patients across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada. The center provides various services, including inpatient, outpatient, and intensive care, as well as speech and occupational therapy.
