Equipping Kids
for the Future
We believe that providing safe environments for kids
to creatively explore is the key to dreaming big.
We Are Thrilled to Announce Our First Live Big Project
We are thrilled to announce the completion of an extraordinary project - a visually stunning mural in the procedure room on the pediatric unit at KU Medical Center.
The Live Big Mural Project holds deep significance for the Odum family because Ansley was treated at KU Med by the most compassionate and capable staff. Through this interactive project, we aspire to bring joy in the midst of hard circumstances, lend bravery, and offer hope, while cultivating resilience of its young patients and families within the hospital setting.
Live Big extends its deepest gratitude to the painters whose invaluable efforts made this project possible. They took Molly’s vision for the project and poured their hearts into the design and painting, infusing every stroke and detail with love. Together, we were able to transform the walls of this treatment room into a captivating display of wonder and imagination.
Thank you to the creative team who worked on this project:
Megan Bedford-Strohm: Project Coordinator, Community Artist and Initial Design
Megan Stone: Fine Artist, Lead Onsite Muralist
Madelyn Hershberger: Trauma-Informed Artist, Project Assistant
Betsy Mitchell: Liaison to Wolf Creek Art Studio and its artists, input on concept of Art Club
Allison Almhof: Coordinator of Art Club, primed and sketched project
Live Big completed our first project in 2023, creating murals in the pediatric treatment room at KU Medical Center. Listen as foundation director, Molly Odum, describes the project.
Here’s a little peek behind the scenes at the ribbon cutting event where we unveiled the Live Big mural project on the pediatric unit at KU Medical Center.
We want to lend bravery and encouragement to anyone who walks through these doors
Live Big was established to inspire other kids and young adults to refuse to allow their respective adversities, obstacles, and limiters dictate how they live.
It is our hope to encourage kids to look beyond these momentary setbacks and challenges and fight to live the life they want, believing their lives serve a great and fantastic purpose. The mural is an opportunity to invite kids and caregivers to grow imagination, spark creativity, and defiantly seek joy in the midst of difficult moments.
We are excited to offer you a glimpse into the rich tapestry of stories and meaning hidden within the Live Big mural.
This extraordinary artwork is more than just paint on a wall, though an extravagant display of truly gifted skill; it is an invitation for families and their young patients to embark on a transformative journey of healing, discovery, and imagination.
As you step through the doorway, your eyes are immediately drawn and transported to another space full of beauty, wonder, and inviting calm. We wanted a landscape that hints to reality, but still ignites the imagination. Stretching majestically across an entire wall, the mountain peaks symbolize the unwavering strength and determination that resides within each child. These mountains become a gateway to imagination, empowering young minds to envision themselves conquering their challenges and reaching new heights. The room plays with light and encourages all who enter to see and admire how light is a beacon to a promise that what may be in this moment is ever changing. This room symbolically offers space to acknowledge the inherent difficulties, but also has the breadth to extend space for respite and escape.
We see a campfire, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. It is a symbol of unity and community, where children and their families can find solace in one another's presence, forming connections that will support them throughout their journey. A guitar purposely rests against a log, one a nod to Ansley’s great love of music, but also music can be an escape, whether by listening, playing or singing. Music has the power to uplift us, elevates our moods and soothes a weary soul. Music is meant to be communal and enjoyed with others.
A firefly dances across the canvas, illuminating the night sky with its radiant glow. Its message: "Shine bright." It whispers to each child that they have an inextinguishable light that has power to illuminate even the darkest of moments. It reminds us all to look for where the light stubbornly breaks through; there is never an absence of light, we just have to be defiant in our search sometimes. We know that even the smallest of sparks of light have he power to push back all darkness.
On another wall, we have a mama bear and her cub. This is particularly special to Molly. It was a primary identity for her throughout Ansley’s life, though now she is finding ways to keep embodying those qualities with her dear ones. Mama bears are fierce and zealous in their protection, but also in how they encourage and demand that their cubs learn independence and strength. They constantly straddle holding on and letting go so that ultimately the cub is allowed to flourish as they were created.
As you leave this space, there is a quote above the door, Your Light Will Outlast this Obstacle. This quote is a variation of a quote used by those who were suffering under gross oppression, but in their defiance they declared that the circumstances were no match for their light. The same charge is offered to these kids, caregivers and staff. It is meant to be a great lender of bravery and encouragement to the departing party to hold fast and be resilient and shine their light.
Have an Idea for a Project?
Live Big exists to cast joy and vision of a hopeful future for kids and young adults. Have an idea for a project that helps our community live bigger? Fill out the form below to share your idea!
Current Ways to Partner with Us
Community Partnerships
Live Big seeks to identify and work together with other community minded institutions that align with our values, serving together to empower and equip kids to overcome their obstacles and discover what makes their heart sing, building healthy and resilient mindsets. We desire to come alongside you to further our collective purpose, providing funds and helpers to carry out your projects. In return, you are also helping us as a newer foundation learn how to best utilize Live Big’s resources to impact the community.
Individual Donors
Live Big’s mission is carried out through the generosity of our donors. Because we are a self funded foundation, every dollar donated goes towards the events, projects, and partnerships we initiate to guide kids in identifying what makes their heart sing and build healthy and resilient mindsets. This is your opportunity to love the kids in your community, get involved in their lives, and give them a more hopeful future.
Events & Volunteering
From concerts to camps, we have big ideas for putting on events for the community, building healthy and resilient mindsets and connecting our kids to what makes their hearts sing, whether that be music, sports, arts, science, or more! We would love to see your support for Live Big at these events by showing up, or through volunteering. See what we have planned upcoming and contact us if you’d like to get involved!
Help Fund Big Projects
We believe that all of us should be good stewards of the time, talents, and finances that we have. From teaching kids to steward their gifts to being transparent about how funds are used, stewardship is a Live Big core value.