A Friendship Built on Faith, Family, and Better2gether

When Bridgett and Treshana first met years ago, it wasn’t just their children’s hospital stays that brought them together—it was the strength, resilience, and compassion they shared as mothers of medically complex children. Their paths crossed while Treshana’s son, Bryson and Bridgett’s daughter, Maria were hospitalized at the same time. During that long hospitalization, Treshana and her husband made countless trips back and forth from Fredericksburg, balancing the demands of caring for their family at home while being there for their son. The constant commuting was very stressful for their family, and the couple soon began looking for a place to live closer to VCU Children’s Hospital.

In the quiet moments between appointments and tests, Treshana and Bridgett began to talk. They shared stories and, above all, offered each other support.

“We became friends during that time,” Treshana said. “And from there, we became family.”

At the same time, Bridgett and her husband had inherited a family home after the passing of his father. While they hadn’t planned to rent it out, they both felt a strong desire to use it in a meaningful way—to support someone else.

“We believe in helping where we can,” Bridgett said. “Treshana told us what they could manage, and that was enough. It was never about the money—it was about being there for someone we care about.”

Treshana’s family moved in, and the two friends grew even closer. The home included a mother-in-law suite, which allowed Treshana’s mother to live with them and help care for the children. “It changed everything,” Treshana said. “We’re closer as a family, and we’re together—and that’s what matters.”

Wanting to make sure the house would be just right for Bryson’s needs, Bridgett picked up the phone and called Stephanie from B2G for help with some needed modifications. That conversation gave her peace of mind—and reminded her once again that B2G is about building people up, not just providing assistance.

In March of this year, while both Treshana and Bridgett’s children were back in the hospital, multiple air conditioning units in the house failed all at once. After having at least three companies come out with no success, Treshana knew exactly who to call for help. With several children in the home—including her son Bryson, who has complex medical needs—it was becoming a dangerous situation. She reached out to B2G, and they connected her with a trusted community partner, Preston, who not only fixed the issue but went above and beyond to make sure the family was safe, comfortable, and cared for.

Both women found not only friendship, but community through Better2gether. For Treshana, who first connected with B2G when her son Bryson was just two years old and on dialysis, the organization has been a steady source of support. “Better2gether was always there,” she said. “From the hospital to home, they always show up. And it’s never just about the sick child—it’s about the whole family.”

Now, Bridgett and Treshana support each other in countless ways. From checking on each other’s children to reading stories and comforting siblings, they’ve become each other’s village. “The best part about Better2gether is they don’t leave anyone out,” Treshana said. “They care for the whole family, every sibling, every parent. They always follow up, always reach out, always try again if something doesn’t work.”

From Christmas parties where they built trees and shared gift cards, to hospital rooms where they offered comfort and conversation, to homes filled with laughter and love—this is the kind of community Better2gether creates.

“This is a blessing,” Treshana said. “But B2G has always been like this. They give you it all. They’re always there, no matter what, and they make you feel like one big family.”