About Us
Little Warriors Brain Trust is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2025by Jordan and Brett Layson, in honor of their youngest daughter, Sloane.
After suffering an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in utero and undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) brain surgery at 6 weeks old at Children’s National Hospital, Sloane’s journey is proof of what is possible when innovation, access, and extraordinary care come together- and it’s why we founded Little Warriors Brain Trust.
Our Mission
We are committed to raising funds to support pediatric neurosurgery research and innovation for the Children’s National Hospital Neurosurgery Research Center. In particular, we are committed to advancing the work of Dr. Donoho and his colleagues as they refine lifesaving procedures like ETV, develop platforms and programs to train the next generation of pediatric neurosurgeons on the latest innovations, and work to uncover why some children thrive while others face post-surgery setbacks.
Our Why
Sloane’s story is filled with hope—but we know it is not yet the norm. Too many families face overwhelming diagnoses without access to cutting-edge care. Too many children are left with limited options because of where they live or what resources their families can reach.
We want to change that. We want every baby, regardless of geography or circumstance, to have access to the best care and the newest, most effective treatments. Most of all, we want parents to know what we came to learn through Sloane: there is hope.
Our Vision
Little Warriors Brain Trust imagines a future where no child’s chance at life depends on a zip code. A future where minimally invasive procedures and innovative treatments are available to all children who need them. A future where stories like Sloane’s are not the exception, but the expectation.
