About The Thrive Foundation
Who we are, and why we exist
We believe life after brain injury can grow, rise, and flourish — and we're here to make sure survivors and their families have what they need to get there.
Our story
From humble beginnings to a shared calling
My wife and I both come from humble, modest beginnings — and everything we've built, we've built in service of other people.
We spent our lives working our way forward, growing businesses rooted in one simple belief: that success means the most when it's used to lift someone else up. Over more than twenty years of hands-on work in this field, we've sat with families on their hardest days and shared quiet victories most people never get to see.
And the further we came — through the struggles, the progress, and the successes — the more we felt the same pull, stronger with every passing year: a need to give more than we ever could on our own. The Thrive Foundation is our answer to that calling. After two decades in this work, creating it wasn't a leap — it was a natural next step into the most meaningful chapter of our lives, one devoted to doing more for the people who need us most.
Because we've been in the room, we know exactly where the system stops short. When the funding runs out, the need doesn't. So we built a foundation to stand in that gap — funding the everyday needs that Medicaid and the Kansas Brain Injury (BI) Waiver won't cover, and walking alongside survivors and families with education, support, and advocacy for the long haul.
With heart,
Steven & Christine Bacci — Founders
Our Mission
To support individuals living with brain injuries by addressing the everyday needs and barriers that affect safety, stability, independence, and quality of life — while connecting individuals and families to resources, education, and advocacy that promote long-term support and opportunity.
Our Vision
A community where every brain injury survivor has the opportunity, resources, and support to live a fulfilling and independent life.
What guides us
Our values
Five beliefs shape every decision we make and every life we touch.
Dignity
We see capable people on a journey — never patients to be pitied.
Independence
Independence is built with support, not in isolation.
Compassion
Every recovery moves at its own pace, and that's okay.
Community
No one recovers alone — belonging is part of healing.
Advocacy
We stand up, speak out, and open doors that would stay closed.
The gap we fill
The Kansas Brain Injury Waiver — and where it stops
Most people have never heard of the BI Waiver. Understanding it is the clearest way to understand why The Thrive Foundation is needed.
What the BI Waiver is
The Kansas Brain Injury (BI) Waiver is a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services program. It helps eligible Kansans with a brain injury get support at home and in the community instead of in an institution. For those who qualify, it can cover rehabilitation therapies, personal care, home and vehicle modifications, medical equipment, transitional living skills, and more.
Who it's for
It's designed for Kansas residents ages 0–64 with a medically documented traumatic or acquired brain injury (not a condition present from birth), who also meet Medicaid's financial eligibility rules and the state's level-of-care criteria.
Where it stops — the gaps
Here's what most people don't realize: the waiver was never meant to cover everything, and it doesn't reach everyone.
- It's short-term. The BI Waiver is a rehabilitative program — support continues only while a person is making measurable progress. When someone plateaus or "meets their goals," they can transition off, even though living with a brain injury is lifelong.
- Many don't qualify at all. Because it requires Medicaid financial eligibility, families who earn just above the limit — or who are still waiting on a determination — may receive nothing.
- It only pays for approved services. Countless everyday needs fall outside what the waiver will cover — and those uncovered items are often exactly what independence depends on.
- The system is hard to navigate. Waitlists, paperwork, and eligibility rules leave families exhausted and unsure where to turn.
Beyond the waiver
Why The Thrive Foundation exists
We pick up where the waiver leaves off.
When a program says "no" — or "not anymore" — a survivor's needs don't disappear. The Thrive Foundation steps into that space, funding the necessary processes and items that Medicaid and the BI Waiver don't cover, and connecting families to education, resources, and advocacy that last well beyond any single program.
That's the whole reason we're here: so that a plateau on paper never becomes a dead end in real life.
A ramp, a ride, a real difference
Sometimes it's a wheelchair ramp. Sometimes a ride to therapy, an adaptive device, or help keeping a roof overhead. The things that don't make headlines are the things that change lives — and they're exactly what we fund.
Restore hope. Build independence.
Every gift helps a survivor take the next step toward an independent life.
Events
Drive Change. Fuel Hope.
Our signature Charity Golf Tournament brings the community together for a great cause — with 100% of proceeds supporting brain injury survivors and their families.
Charity Golf Tournament
The Thrive Foundation Golf Classic
📍 Sand Creek Station Golf Course · 920 Meadowbrook Dr, Newton, KS 67114
Your team entry includes
🏆Prizes & AwardsCeremony at 1 PM
All food, beverages & event activities are FREE. Just bring your team and your best swing.
Our mission on the course
To help raise awareness and support for those impacted by a brain injury. The Thrive Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established to enhance the quality of life and opportunities for progress for our brain injury patients and their families.
The foundation gives us the opportunity to financially support necessary processes or items that are not typically covered by Medicaid and the BI waiver.
🎯 100% of all proceeds go directly to The Thrive Foundation.
Team registration is $500 and includes 4 players. Register or sponsor securely online through Zeffy — 100% goes to the mission.
Questions? Susan Brocklesby · 316-348-5492 · susanb@thrivetherapyofkansas.com
The people we serve
Stories of hope & independence
Behind every number is a person, a family, and a journey. These are the lives your support helps restore.
JA
Featured story
"I can use my legs and hands again."
Before Thrive, I felt sad and depressed. At Thrive, I learned to work on my muscles — and my favorite part of therapy is exercising. Today, I can use my legs and hands again.
"My advice to anyone with a brain injury: follow what your therapists tell you."
JA
J. A. — SurvivorOn his experience with Thrive
In their words
Voices from our community
The heart of our work is the people — survivors, caregivers, and families building independence together.
"
Getting out of the house and voting on my favorite cars completely lifted my spirits. The best part was the community connection — breaking the cycle of staying home. Being part of something so exciting was exactly what I needed.
GC
G. C. — ParticipantOn the Thrive Car Show
"
I liked running the register — it made me feel independent! I got to practice my speech while helping others.
MH
M. H. — VolunteerOn volunteering at the Wind Surge game
"
I've been working with Thrive for two years. Before Thrive, I struggled to get along with other people — now I get along with everyone. I'm proud of myself for making new friends. Thrive has always been there for me.
MB
M. B. — SurvivorOn her experience with Thrive
"
My biggest accomplishment is getting stronger and more functional through physical therapy. It matters because now I can get out into the community and do the activities I love.
MC
M. C. — SurvivorOn his experience with Thrive
Share your story
Has Thrive made a difference for you?
We'd be honored to share your journey. Your story helps other survivors know that hope — and independence — are possible.
Give the gift of independence
Your gift restores hope
100% of your donation goes to work in our community — funding the everyday needs that Medicaid and the Brain Injury waiver won't cover.
Where your gift goes
Real needs. Real independence.
Every dollar helps a brain injury survivor take the next step — a ramp, a ride to therapy, adaptive equipment, housing help, or a connection to the resources they need.
The gap we fill
For individuals with brain injury, unmet needs create additional barriers at a time when stability matters most. We financially support necessary processes and items that are not typically covered by Medicaid and the Brain Injury waiver.
$50
Adaptive supplies & daily-living aids
$250
Transportation to therapy & appointments
Make a donation
Choose your impact
$25
$50
$100
$250
$500
Give securely online through Zeffy — our fundraising platform where 100% of your gift reaches the mission. Make a one-time or recurring gift of any amount.
Donate Now
Prefer to give by mail?
Make checks payable to The Thrive Foundation
9111 E Kellogg, Suite 145
Wichita, KS 67207
The Thrive Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3). Gifts may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
More ways to help
Beyond the one-time gift
⛳
Sponsor the Tournament
Back our Charity Golf Tournament as a corporate sponsor, from $300 to $7,500.
Sponsor Online
🤝
Become a Partner
Align your organization with our mission and strengthen our community together.
Partner With Us
💜
Give in Honor
Make a tribute gift in honor or memory of someone who inspires you.
Make a Tribute
Together, we restore hope.
Thank you for helping individuals living with brain injuries build brighter, more independent futures.
