The Mission

The mission of Believe in Miracles 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. Believe in Miracles is a grass roots organization founded in 2005 by two 11 year old boys whose goal was to bring a smile to the face of a child that is suffering. Believe in Miracles 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. Believe in Miracles strives to be an excellent steward of our donors’ money. We are run by all volunteers working from home to keep overhead at a minimum. The proceeds are used to purchase gifts and trophies for children who are suffering.

The Video

Watch the official Believe in Miracles video. Feel free to show it at your fundraisers, meetings, and other gatherings!

The Inspiration: Jenna's Story

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. As the youngest of three children, Jenna never had a problem keeping up with her older brother and sister. Jenna loved to dance, sing and play soccer and softball. She would always cheer on her brother and sister at all of their sporting events. Jenna enjoyed spending time with her cousins and friends too. She was the happiest when surrounded by friends and family.

Jenna was only 3½ years old when she was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumor. She fought courageously for 8 years enduring eight brain surgeries, three 6-week rounds of radiation and three clinical trials consisting of different chemotherapy treatments. All the while Jenna never lost her enthusiasm for life. She would continually say, “I know God has a plan for me.” On July 4th, 2010 God called Jenna home. We miss her dearly but continue to feel her presence all around us.

The History

Believe in Miracles was founded in 2005 by then 5th graders, Brett Kast (Troy Athens Student) and J.D. Sterba. (MASC/MAHS Summer Camp alumnus). 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.”

The Specifics

MASC/MAHS is excited to see how our member schools will reach out to a local home-grown cause such as this one. All year, we have been excited to see how you have been raising money and sharing the story of Believe in Miracles. Charity donations that will be counted towards the MASC/MAHS Star School Award or to be considered for the MASC/MAHS Tonya Charity Award must be RECEIVED by Believe in Miracles no later than Friday, March 16, 2011.(Please note: Applications for these awards may be due PRIOR to this deadline, however, this is the date that donations must be in to the charity office. All charity donations MUST be accompanied by the MASC/MAHS Donation Form to be considered for award programs.. Donations that schools continue to collect past the deadline will be accepted and appreciated!

Click here to download a donation form.