Fabulous People: Braden Bishop

Braden Bishop is a professional athlete with the San Francisco Giants organization and philanthropist. Bishop, alongside his brother Hunter, founded 4MOM, a nonprofit that raises awareness for Alzheimer’s, after their mother, Suzy, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2014. (Check out the nonprofit’s upcoming event, Cheers4MOM, on Dec. 4.) Learn about Braden Bishop…

Hometown: Lincoln, CA

First job: Professional athlete

Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: I’m the type of person who typically enjoys whatever I’m doing, as long as it includes spending time with my wife and my five-month-old son, Boston. 

Your biggest accomplishment and why: From a professional perspective, I would say making it to the major leagues because it was the hardest, most challenging journey you could imagine. But, from a philanthropic and personal standpoint, 4MOM has been tremendously rewarding. Really, beyond what I ever envisioned.

The biggest obstacle you overcame: My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when I was in college. Being away from her at a time when she was getting progressively sick and losing her freedoms and memory was overwhelming for not only me, but made my family and I feel incredibly helpless. That’s why it was so important to us to instill programs at 4MOM that drive support for families, caregivers and all those affected by the disease. 

Someone who inspires you and why: That’s easy. My wife, Bri. She supports my athletic career and is instrumental in helping grow 4MOM into what it is today. After watching her give birth and care for our son, I just think she’s a superwoman. With that, I’d say most moms are superheroes in their own right.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Do not expect to move mountains in a day. It takes time to build something worthwhile. This can definitely be a piece of advice for those wanting to be a professional athlete, but it really applies to any goal in life worthwhile. When we started 4MOM, all we knew is that we wanted to make a difference. We wanted to beat a disease our mother was battling. While we lost our mom, we have made so many positive strides for this community and I believe this is just the start of our journey.

Favorite quote: “Innovation isn’t about changing the flavor, it’s out changing the form.” –TD Jakes

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: People are usually shocked to find out I’m a barber in my spare time. It started out as a way to pay for groceries in college, and it’s something I’ve always kept up with. 

What makes someone fabulous: My mom had the most incredible heart. Her ability to love and selflessly support those around her is what made her so special. So while there are many qualities in a person that can make someone fabulous, the ability to love and care so deeply for other people is what I believe is most important.