Musical duo brings hope to hospitalized children through 14-year nonprofit mission

The couple's nonprofit "I Am Courageous" performs for young patients nationwide to provide encouragement and support.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Married couple Justin "Rooster" Graves and Michelle Graves have been bringing smiles to hospitalized children for 14 years through their nonprofit "I Am Courageous." The organization began after their daughter's friends were diagnosed with cancer, and the couple wanted to help through music. The duo's performances provide joy and encouragement to young patients and their families across the country.

Why it matters

For children spending extended time in the hospital, a moment of happiness can make a significant difference in their recovery and outlook. The Graves' nonprofit brings that much-needed positivity and emotional support to young patients and their families during difficult times.

The details

The Graves started "I Am Courageous" in 2012 after their daughter's friends were diagnosed with cancer. They wrote a song to encourage the children and realized the power of music to uplift hospitalized kids. Since then, the duo has been performing nationwide, visiting hospitals like Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi. Their performances bring joy to patients like Catalina, who received a special birthday performance, as well as provide emotional support to hospital staff during challenging shifts.

  • The Graves started "I Am Courageous" in 2012.
  • The nonprofit is now in its 14th year of operation.

The players

Justin "Rooster" Graves

One half of the musical duo that founded the nonprofit "I Am Courageous" to bring hope and encouragement to hospitalized children.

Michelle Graves

One half of the musical duo that founded the nonprofit "I Am Courageous" to bring hope and encouragement to hospitalized children.

Catalina

A young patient who received a special birthday performance from the "I Am Courageous" duo during her hospital stay.

Bobby Galindo

A parent whose child was receiving treatment and appreciated the emotional support the "I Am Courageous" performances provided.

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What they’re saying

“Our whole purpose is to just encourage these kids and their families.”

— Michelle Graves, Co-founder, "I Am Courageous" (kristv.com)

“And we saw how powerful music was.. especially in difficult situations and so that's how we got started.”

— Justin Graves, Co-founder, "I Am Courageous" (kristv.com)

“A little something to give him some encouragement. Feel a little better today. He just had a chemo treatment last night. He's had a rough morning. So anything they can do is a big help.”

— Bobby Galindo, Parent (kristv.com)

“It is the most humbling and amazing feeling that we get to do this for a living. That we get to go meet so many of these precious kids who are living out the message we share. That they are strong and courageous.”

— Michelle Graves, Co-founder, "I Am Courageous" (kristv.com)

What’s next

The nonprofit operates on just $8 per child to continue their mission of bringing music and encouragement to hospitalized kids. Readers can click the link provided in the article to help support their efforts.

The takeaway

The Graves' nonprofit "I Am Courageous" is a heartwarming example of how the power of music and compassion can make a meaningful difference in the lives of hospitalized children and their families during challenging times.