Sisters in Sioux Falls Sell "Brave Bands" for Children's Hospital

Young Entrepreneurs Making a Difference with “Brave Bands”

Blakely and Gracyn Langner, two sisters from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have turned their passion for crafting into a meaningful way to support children in need. At just 12 and 8 years old, the pair has already made a significant impact through their bracelet-selling initiative, which is now known as “Brave Bands.” Their efforts are not only helping raise funds for Sanford Children’s Hospital but also inspiring others to get involved in making a difference.

The journey began when Gracyn received a kit to make clay bead bracelets. The idea of creating and selling their own jewelry quickly took shape. What started as a simple activity soon evolved into a purpose-driven business. The girls found that selling their bracelets at local events, such as the Lake Madison campground, was both fun and fulfilling.

“We know that we love doing it and we get to have a lot of fun,” Blakely said.

However, the sisters wanted their work to have a greater impact. Their mother, Amber Langner, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Treasury at Sanford Health, played a key role in connecting them with a cause close to her heart. The Sanford Children’s Hospital had always been a place of importance to her, and she encouraged the girls to consider donating their proceeds to help children in need.

Their first donation came after setting up a lemonade stand, which raised over $100 for the hospital. The experience was rewarding, and the girls were eager to do more. In their second year, they expanded their efforts by selling bracelets and managed to raise over $600 for the hospital.

This year, the girls gave their project a new name—“Brave Bands”—to reflect the courage of children battling illness or other challenges.

“We called it ‘Brave Bands’ for the kids to show how brave they are to fight their sicknesses or whatever they have going on in their lives,” Blakely explained.

Gracyn added, “Helping them get through all of it and persevering.”

The support from the community has grown significantly, and the girls have become an integral part of the Sanford International event. Their operation has taken off in ways they never anticipated, with many people stepping in to help them reach their goals.

Amber shared how the Foundation became involved and encouraged the girls to aim higher. “What if we did more and really made an impact?” the Foundation suggested. The girls were excited by the challenge, and their mom set a target of 2000 bracelets.

“It’s been a great, long summer with our friends and family,” Amber said.

Before the 2025 Sanford International, the girls had already raised over $1000 through their efforts. Free will donations at the tournament could potentially increase that amount even further.

Despite their young age, Blakely and Gracyn have shown incredible determination and compassion. They may not know the children they’re helping, but they feel good knowing their efforts make a difference.

“We don’t really know kids from the hospital, but knowing that we get to donate just feels good,” Blakely said.

While they aren’t sure how many more years they’ll continue their bracelet-making, the sisters are open to the possibility of extending their mission for another three or four years.

If you’d like to support their cause, you can visit sanfordhealthfoundation.org/bravebands to make a donation.