Little Brother Blaze and Big Brother Rick: 2025 Match of the Year
Little Brother Blaze and Big Brother Rick have been matched since October of 2015. Initially, Rick and his wife, Jo, were matched as a Big Couple with Blaze. As empty nesters, they were excited about the opportunity to give back and impact a young person’s life. After getting to know Blaze and his family more, Jo ended up becoming a Big Sister to Blaze’s sister – remaining a supporter in his life in a new role.
Blaze has expressed gratitude for the ways that both Rick and Jo have shown up for him as he’s grown up. While he is thankful for his family and the ways that they have supported him, he also feels like Rick and Jo have given him experiences and insight that he may not have otherwise had.
In their 10-year long match, Little Brother Blaze and Big Brother Rick have developed a strong relationship. They visit the YMCA weekly, getting their workouts in together and catching up on each other’s lives. Rick has shared important life lessons, instilled confidence in Blaze, and most importantly; shown up time and time again as a source of support. When looking back at their time together, Rick has made it clear that Blaze should be proud of the person he has become.
Little Brother Blaze is graduating from high school and the BBBSCI program this year in 2025, and he’s looking into further education and training in welding at Central Nine with the help of Rick.
“The Blaze I know now probably would look at the Blaze I met and smile and realize how far he has really come.”
