About Brian Bisgrove

Brian Bisgrove grew up in Auburn, NY. He was an active and athletic young man who spent much of his time at his father’s farm in nearby Owasco. The farm was a haven for Brian, a place where he could appreciate the solitude and quiet it offered, surrounded by the beauty of the rolling hills, the serene pond, and the fresh air of the outdoors.

As a determined and bright 17 year old, Brian began pursuing his vision of becoming a priest, while simultaneously working to build up a boy’s club in Auburn. The club soon had a few dozen members and three other clubs had been started. Brian worked tirelessly, studying for his degree and growing the clubs.

Two years later, at the age of 19, Brian was diagnosed with cancer. Brian never complained about his diagnosis, or the pain and suffering it caused him, and, despite aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, he continued to work as best he could, always maintaining a positive outlook on life. Always looking ahead, he began plans for a new club- for father's and their sons- which would give young men a solid Christian foundation. 

Brian passed away in 1998 at the age of 21, never having seen his dream of a father-son club come to fruition. Those who believed in his dream carried it through and today, there are hundreds of ConQuest and Challenge clubs and camps for both boys and girls across North America.

Two years after he passed away, Brian's family donated most of the family farm for use by Champions for Life, with directions to turn it into a park, thus fulfilling another of Brian’s dreams: to see the farm used by others who were struggling with life, so they could take advantage of the refuge it offered in the same way he had.

Everest Park and the Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage 

Today, the farm is known as Everest Park, and its 160 acres remain largely as they were when Brian was growing up. The woods, fields, and pond all provide a quiet refuge for those who are in need of relief from the struggles of life.

Atop the hill at the entrance to Everest sits the Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage, a beautiful, hand-built log cabin that has been reestablished as a retreat and respite home for families with children who have life-altering illnesses or debilitating medical, psychiatric, or developmental disorders. Each family is invited, free of charge, into the Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage for a few days of rest and repose. For every family a fully stocked refrigerator and pantry will be provided, as will all other necessities, and many other amenities as well.

While there, they enjoy family game time, walking the trails or enjoying the pond on the Everest Park property, or simply quiet bonding time in front of the large gas fireplace.  The home is truly a place where families can let go of their anxiety and stress and focus on growing faith and family unity.  

For more ways to help or more information on the Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage, please call (315) 252-9305, or visit homeofcourage.com.

The Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage is located at Everest Park. Our physical address is 5343 County Route 72B, Auburn.

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