Today we’d like to introduce you to Dane & Virginia Stewart.
Hi Dane & Virginia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Kai Jeremiah Foundation was born out of love, loss, and an unshakable faith in God’s purpose. Our journey began when our son, Kai, was born prematurely at just 24 weeks and 5 days, weighing only 1 lb 9 oz. Though he was small, he was mighty—fighting with a strength that touched every heart around him.
As first responders, we were used to being the ones who could save lives, the ones others called when help was needed. But nothing could prepare us for the helplessness we felt standing beside our own child, unable to fix or fight what was beyond our control. That pain forever changed us—but it also gave birth to a powerful purpose.
In the midst of grief, we chose to turn our heartbreak into hope. What began as a way to honor Kai’s memory has grown into a mission to serve and uplift NICU and preemie families—reminding them that they are seen, heard, and never alone.
Through care packages, resources, community events, and faith-driven outreach, we carry Kai’s light forward every day. His story reminds us to live courageously, to love deeply, and to always #FightLikeKai. Our prayer is that through his legacy, countless families will find the comfort, strength, and faith they need to keep going—no matter how small their beginning may be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. The road to recovery after losing Kai was one that tested our faith, shook our family, and deeply affected our children. Grief has a way of reshaping everything—and for us, it uncovered layers of pain we didn’t even know existed. At that time, there were very few mental health resources for families who had experienced child loss. We tried to move forward, but the unhealed parts of our grief eventually touched every area of our lives, including our marriage.
As first responders, we were trained to push emotions aside in order to save others. That same mindset crept into our personal lives, causing us to suppress the pain instead of healing through it. Over time, we had to relearn ourselves—our faith, our love, and our purpose. It wasn’t easy, but it built character, resilience, and a deeper connection between us and our family.
On the foundation side, the journey has also been one of perseverance. We dove into something purpose-driven, with no professional business background, and learned everything along the way—how to create content, organize fundraisers, and build meaningful relationships within our community. It has taken years to gain traction and establish our presence, but every struggle has been a stepping stone.
We are better because of the challenges. They’ve shaped our hearts with grit, character, and tenacity—and they remind us every day why we do this work. Our hope is that one day, every family walking through loss will have the mental health support and community they deserve. Until then, we’ll keep fighting—with faith, with purpose, and always to #FightLikeKai.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kai Jeremiah Foundation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Kai Jeremiah Foundation is a faith-driven nonprofit dedicated to supporting families with premature babies and those navigating the challenges of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). What began as a personal mission to honor our son Kai—born at just 24 weeks and 5 days, weighing 1 lb 9 oz—has grown into a movement of compassion, community, and hope.
We specialize in serving NICU and bereaved families through care packages, meal programs, and community outreach that remind parents they are seen, heard, and supported. Our brand is known for its heart—for the personal touch behind every care box, handwritten note, and prayer we offer over each family we serve. Everything we do is rooted in empathy and guided by faith.
In 2026, we will launch our NICU Dad Initiative, a pilot program at our partnered local hospital designed to help fathers navigate the emotional stressors of the NICU journey. This initiative will provide a relaxed, judgment-free space where dads can unwind, connect, and support one another—complete with a sports game, some wings, and real conversations that foster strength and healing. Modeled after the peer support system in our fire department, this program adapts proven methods of resilience to serve NICU dads in a way that feels natural and meaningful.
We’re also proud to continue our Feeding Families Program, ensuring that parents spending long hours at the hospital have warm meals and the comfort of community. Additionally, our Mental Health Initiative will fund one free counseling session for bereaved families who request it, helping them begin the healing process with compassionate support during their most difficult season.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing for our first annual gala, The Preemies, set for March 2026 (date TBD). We are currently seeking angel investors, corporate sponsors, and strategic partners to help expand our reach, serve more NICU hospitals, and impact more families. Every project we take on is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in creating lasting community change.
As we grow, we also plan to partner with the medical and research community—especially in the area of PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes)—to advocate for improved preventative care and outcomes for premature infants.
At our core, we stand for faith, family, and resilience. Through Kai’s legacy, we are building a future where every NICU family feels supported, every parent finds hope, and every small miracle reminds the world to #FightLikeKai.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, we’re filled with hope and excitement for what’s to come. Our vision is focused on growth, expansion, and brand recognition so that more families can discover that there are real people—boots on the ground—who understand their deep pain on a personal level.
We want every NICU and bereaved parent to know that the Kai Jeremiah Foundation is here to walk beside them with compassion, faith, and purpose.
What truly sets us apart is that the majority of all funds go directly toward family impact. Every donation, sponsorship, and partnership helps provide meals, care packages, mental health support, and community programs that touch families right where they are.
As we continue to grow, our ultimate goal is to create a lasting legacy for Kai and a powerful movement for families with preemies in the NICU—one that stands as a beacon of hope, healing, and love for generations to come.
Pricing:
- All donations are welcomed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaijeremiahfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaijeremiahfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ce11VBUow/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kai-jeremiah-foundation/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaijeremiahfoundation
