Sweet Journey 17 Foundation

The Board
& Care Team.

Melissa and Alex Ehrenthal, Co-Founders.

Co-Founders · Ari’s mom and dad

Melissa & Alex Ehrenthal

Partners in life and in work, Melissa and Alex own and run several businesses and their family office together.

We were always going to be there.

We’re Melissa and Alex Ehrenthal — Ari’s mom and dad. For seventeen years, being there for her was the most important thing we ever did. Through every hospital room and every ordinary day that asked more of her than anyone could see, we were by her side. We would give anything to still be.

Sweet Journey 17 was not our idea. It was hers. From a hospital bed, carrying so much herself, Ari looked around at the other families on the floor — the meals they couldn’t afford, the parking that added up, the long nights far from home — and decided she wanted to help them. That was simply who she was, long before she was sick enough to prove it.

We’ve spent our lives building things and solving hard problems. We couldn’t solve the one that mattered most. So now we pour everything we know into the thing she asked for — making sure that down the hall, another mom or dad never has to choose between staying beside their child and keeping their life from falling apart.

When you give to Sweet Journey 17, you’re being there — for a family you’ll never meet, in the exact way people were there for us. It’s how we keep loving her out loud. It’s how we keep our promise to her.

We’ll be there.

Melissa & Alex

Foundation Director

Toni ShrayevMS, CCC-SLP

For the past 15 years, Toni has worked closely with children living with a wide range of illnesses, developmental disorders, and medical complexities, many of whom experience frequent or extended hospitalizations. Through these relationships, she has witnessed firsthand the emotional, practical, and financial strain families face while caring for a medically complex child.

That professional experience became deeply personal through Toni’s close relationship with Ariana and the Ehrenthal family.

“Ari’s compassion lit a fire in my soul, and it is with profound privilege to lead Sweet Journey 17 with both clinical insight and heartfelt purpose—honoring Ariana’s vision by helping families remain beside their children when they are needed most.”

Medical Advisor

Lauren GoodmanMSN, RN

Lauren is a pediatric nurse with more than 10 years of experience caring for children with complex needs. She has spent most of her career working in the ICU/CVICU at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, as well as traveling to Boston Children’s.

Lauren holds a master’s degree in nursing leadership and is now the Director of Nursing at Spark Pediatrics, a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care facility. She leads a team dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to medically complex children while supporting and advocating for their families and strengthening our community.

“I’ve realized that having children with complex needs means families need help too. Supporting these families by providing compassionate financial, emotional, and practical assistance during hard times or extended hospital stays can help put these families at ease during these hard times. This has become my true passion, and I’m so proud to be part of this Foundation and everything it stands for.”

Secretary

Christian SmithEsq.

Attorney Christian Smith serves as General Counsel for Simple Peptide and as Secretary for the Sweet Journey 17 Foundation. Christian was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and was raised as a military brat while his mom was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. Christian graduated from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and upon graduation, Christian moved north to Ohio to take care of his aging grandpa and to attend law school.

While serving as his grandpa’s caretaker and attending law school at the University of Dayton, Christian endured a very difficult court process when his grandpa abruptly passed. Christian decided to help families avoid the legal pitfalls his family encountered through the practice of estate planning, tax planning, and corporate strategy.

Christian has served on the Board of Trustees for the Orlando Health Foundation and now serves as Secretary on the Board of the Sweet Journey 17 Foundation to make an impact on families throughout Florida and beyond. Christian resides in Tampa Bay, where he frequently enjoys running and hiking with his wife. He also enjoys playing tennis and ice hockey when he is not working!

Director of Events

Britteny Cali

Britteny brings years of experience in event planning, design, and production to her role as Director of Events for Sweet Journey 17. With a passion for creating meaningful experiences and bringing people together, Britteny has built her career around transforming ideas into unforgettable celebrations through thoughtful design, creativity, and attention to detail.

At Sweet Journey 17, Britteny channels her creativity and experience into planning events that bring the community together with purpose, foster meaningful connections, and support the foundation’s mission. For Britteny, this role represents something far greater than event planning. It is an opportunity to use the skills and passion she has cultivated to honor Ariana’s legacy and make a lasting difference for families facing some of life’s most challenging moments.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the incredible honor of being part of some of life’s most precious milestones, celebrating alongside couples and families during their happiest moments. I’ve always been grateful for that privilege, but being part of Sweet Journey 17 feels like something even greater—it feels like my purpose. Knowing the impact Ari’s vision can have on so many families, and having the opportunity to help carry that vision forward, is something I am truly honored to be a part of.”

Treasurer

Cuong LeCPA

Cuong is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in accounting and a Florida-licensed Certified Public Accountant with 10 years of experience in tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and family offices. He advises clients on income tax strategy, wealth preservation, and multigenerational planning, with a focus on clear, practical guidance.

A Florida resident since 2012, Cuong hopes to bring to the board deep financial expertise and a strong commitment to the local community.

“Families going through a long hospital stay shouldn’t have to worry about anything but their child. I’m proud to help make sure every gift to Sweet Journey 17 is handled with care and goes where it’s needed most.”

Stay with your child.

We’ve got this part.

Your gift can help with meals, lodging, transportation, parking, and everyday essentials.

Donate with love

The Board& Care Team.