"In 2018, The RaeStrong Foundation was created as a means to help provide support for Preemie Families. Dan Friend and Lorelee Smith are the proud parents of Rae Analyn Friend, who was born at just 24 weeks, which classifies her as a micro preemie. A micro-preemie is a baby born weighing less than 1 pound, 12 ounces or before 26 weeks gestation. They spent 115 days in the Loyola Hospital's NICU where they had countless exams, hourly doctor check-ins, crib side nurses, and extended family and friend visits.
Through the Rae Strong Foundation, Dan and Lorelee are working to build an environment that fosters the incredible atmosphere that was given to them at the Loyola Hospital's NICU, where any family with a micro-preemie can feel the hope and joy that comes with a miracle happening in front of you. Through the RaeStrong Foundation, grants are awarded to individual families, hospital NICUs and preemie supporting organizations on a yearly basis.
Both Dan and Lorelee are our head men’s and women’s volleyball coaches here at Lewis University. The roots of the RaeStrong Foundation began with their volleyball teams and Lewis University. They have expanded to other venues across the country, beach volleyball tournaments, grass volleyball tournaments, poker tournaments and other fundraising engagements. The Rae Strong Foundation is looking to fundraise to help support families and nurses for the holiday season.. Please stop by the table set up next to the concession stand or go the Raestrong.org to donate"
For more information visit www.raestrong.org
