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The Kobe Kekoa Foundation

Our mission is to provide love and support to the Nursing and Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Communities.

Mission in Action

The Kobe Kekoa Foundation offers various means of support to the CHD community and the Nursing Communities who care for them and other patients. We show appreciation by delivering meals, sweets, and gifts to the CVICU Nurses at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, and the Nurses at LBG Tropical Medical Center Hospital and Hope House in Pago Pago, American Samoa. These meals and sweets include pizza, sandwiches, holiday or special event meals, cookies, and donuts. Our gifts range from practical supplies and gift cards to thoughtful items like pins, ornaments, hand sanitizers, stickers, and goodie bags.

In addition to these gestures, we contribute to nonprofits supporting the CHD Community by donating funds and participating in their events. We strive to raise awareness about CHD by sharing Kobe’s story, providing facts about CHD, and supporting parents who have experienced loss by sending bereavement cards and gifts. Also, the message of God’s love, hope, and strength is spread through the verse Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” We believe in applying this message to our daily lives.

Through these actions, we aim to make a positive impact and support those affected by CHD while also expressing our gratitude to the dedicated Nursing Communities who play a crucial role in their care.

OUR REACH

Grateful to serve and support approximately 70 Medical Staff at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, 160 Medical Staff at LBJ Tropical Medical Center, and 18 Medical Staff at the Hope House. They also reach over 500 individuals enduring CHD hardships by funding local nonprofits in Jacksonville, FL. Their support extends to various CHD communities, including babies, children, parents, caregivers, families, adults living with CHD, and bereaved parents who have lost a child to CHD.

The foundation collaborates and helps fund four nonprofits. The Will King Foundation helps children from developing countries receive heart treatment in Jacksonville. Also, support The Healing Hearts Project, providing essential services to patients and families undergoing heart treatment in the area. Additionally, Once Upon a Room JAX , decorates rooms for critically ill children with extended hospital stays and contributes to Angels for Allison, easing the financial burden of funeral costs associated with losing a child in Northeast Florida. Through these partnerships, they aim to positively impact the lives of those affected by CHD and provide support throughout their journey.

OUR WHY

The founders, Creighton and Elisa Chong, know firsthand the hardships of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). Their twin son, Kobe, was born with a rare critical heart defect, endured multiple surgeries, and faced several complications that eventually took his life at 100 days old. It was the most challenging thing they had to endure. They understand that many others also face these hardships: 1 in 100 babies are born with a heart defect every year, and 1 in 4 are critical and need surgery or other procedures. (CDC.gov)

They couldn’t have survived without faith, love, and support from others and the Nurses and Medical Staff, who became like a second family. In gratitude, they want to give back and show love and support to the Nursing Communities who work tirelessly to give their patients a chance at life. In addition, they want to help others like their son Kobe and those affected by CHD hardships. This led them to start “The Kobe Kekoa Foundation,” named after their son Kobe, with the logo ‘KOBEIKAIKA,’ meaning Kobe “Strong” in Hawaiian.

The Kobe Kekoa Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit organization, EIN 93-2079291; all contributions are tax-deductible. We Pray that God uses this foundation to touch hearts and lives. Continuing to trust God and “Be Strong and Courageous” -Joshua 1:9

Explore our website to learn more about The Kobe Kekoa Foundation and how you can get involved. Together, let’s make an impact on the Nursing Communities and CHD patients and their families. Join our email for newsletter & updates, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.