Jenna’s Story – Our Inspiration
Jenna Kast was a very happy and active girl whose smile would light up a room and whose giggle couldn’t help but make you smile. (Read the rest of Jenna’s Story.)
Our Mission
The mission of The Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation is to enrich the lives of Michigan children suffering from life-threatening medical conditions by buying gifts and bringing joy and hope to their lives. Along with their gift, each child receives a personalized trophy to acknowledge their courageous fight.
Who We Are
The Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation was founded in 2005 by two 11 year old boys whose goal was to bring a smile to the face of a child who is suffering. Our Foundation was created to let children and their families know that they are not alone in their battles, that we are praying for them and fighting for them.
How We Got Started
The Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation was founded in 2005 by then 5th graders, Brett Kast and J.D. Sterba. The inspiration came from Brett’s youngest sister Jenna, who was battling brain cancer. While Brett and his sister Nancy would accompany Jenna on her trips to Children’s Hospital, Brett became increasingly aware of the suffering and hardships many children face.
As a result, he became determined to help these children in some way. Brett had undoubtedly been influenced by the kindness and support that his family received from the community during their most trying times. After discussing the idea with his friend, JD, the two 10 year old boys came up with a plan to design and sell wristbands. The money raised from the sale of the bracelets would be used to buy a gift for a child that was suffering, with the hope that they could forget about their illness for a while. “I think that’s what God wants us to do,” said Brett. “I think that’s what we’re supposed to do.”
Believe in Miracles is now a lasting legacy to Jenna’s spirit, sense of fun and message of faith and hope. Through this foundation it is our hope that Jenna’s incredible spirit will be carried forward to help seriously ill children and to inspire others to Believe in Miracles.Brett, Nancy, Paula and Rick Kast
In January of 2005, the boys began selling the bracelets in their school, at their church and throughout their community. The bracelets were a big hit. After a local television station aired their story, interest in their cause continued to grow. The family formed a foundation in an effort to provide children an escape from their illness and to create positive, lasting memories for other families facing the same struggles.
Since the foundation’s beginning it has been a source of strength and comfort for the Kast family and has enabled them to gain some positive meaning from Jenna’s battle with cancer. Nancy and Jenna especially enjoyed being a part of every wish. When Nancy was in middle school she decided to sell bracelets during lunch. “I want to keep granting wishes,” Nancy said. In May of 2010 Jenna hosted an ice cream sale and sold over 1,000 ice cream bars! Sadly, on July 4, 2010 Jenna lost her battle with brain cancer. She will be forever missed by all who loved her.