KourageousKarter Foundation
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    • Mission and Motto
    • Karter's Story
    • Board of Directors
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  • Mission Projects
    • Trexo Sponsorship
    • Inclusive Playground
    • Family Photos
    • Adaptive Toy Giveaway
  • Fundraising
  • Karter's Essentials
  • Media
  • Resources
    • Helpful Organizations
    • Inclusive Companies
    • Podcasts
    • Good Reads
    • Insurance Appeals
    • Sleep for Neuroatypical
    • MN Waivers
    • Caregiver Support
  • Contact Us
  • More
    • Home
    • About Us
      • Mission and Motto
      • Karter's Story
      • Board of Directors
      • KKF Ambassadors
    • Mission Projects
      • Trexo Sponsorship
      • Inclusive Playground
      • Family Photos
      • Adaptive Toy Giveaway
    • Fundraising
    • Karter's Essentials
    • Media
    • Resources
      • Helpful Organizations
      • Inclusive Companies
      • Podcasts
      • Good Reads
      • Insurance Appeals
      • Sleep for Neuroatypical
      • MN Waivers
      • Caregiver Support
    • Contact Us
KourageousKarter Foundation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission and Motto
    • Karter's Story
    • Board of Directors
    • KKF Ambassadors
  • Mission Projects
    • Trexo Sponsorship
    • Inclusive Playground
    • Family Photos
    • Adaptive Toy Giveaway
  • Fundraising
  • Karter's Essentials
  • Media
  • Resources
    • Helpful Organizations
    • Inclusive Companies
    • Podcasts
    • Good Reads
    • Insurance Appeals
    • Sleep for Neuroatypical
    • MN Waivers
    • Caregiver Support
  • Contact Us

We are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit in the state of Minnesota.

All donations will go toward our mission projects!  The missions we choose to tackle and fund will directly benefit individuals, families, and/or  community initiatives that involve supporting people with severe neurological disabilities.  Our promise is to always be transparent about how money is spent! See below to view our current mission projects.

Photography Sessions

For us, photos have been one of the most cherished and meaningful gifts we’ve received. We are all about the “real” moments, and we have been lucky enough to have talented photographers capture Karter’s personality  and our family on several occasions. Our dear and talented friend, Holly Grams, came to the NICU in what we thought were Karter’s “final” days.  In doing so, she captured moments that my grief wouldn’t allow me to recall.  I will be forever grateful to have these photos, as hard as they are to view.   We don’t know what life has in store, and as far as I’m concerned I can NEVER have enough pictures! They represent us and our story. Photos allow you to relive and stay in a memory.  When you have a child with a shortened life expectancy, these become even more invaluable.


Family photos can be challenging for any family, but it takes a special photographer to work with families with children who are severely affected by a brain injury.  They also can be expensive, and when resources our limited, this isn’t something families like us can splurge on.  Our mission is to  sponsor a photo session  at least on an annual basis.  We will take nominations, contact the family, and coordinate the session detailss.


We would be honored to have you help us gift the gift of memories!

photos by holly grams

    Meet Cole And Family

    About Cole

     

     

    Cole is a sweet 5 year old boy that loves his parents, his doggos (Gunner & Jackson), music and tons of movement!  He likes to swing, shake and bounce non-stop!

    Cole's Story

    Cole was born at 36.5 weeks after Megan suddenly experienced a fetal maternal hemorrhage. This caused Cole to suffer from HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy), causing secondary diagnoses of spastic quad cerebral palsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (seizures), plus many more. They originally brought Cole home on hospice, as the doctors didn’t expect him to live, let alone breathe, suck or swallow on his own.  He’s been proving doctors wrong since day 1!

    Words from Megan- Cole's Mom

    "Cole’s smile is my favorite! It lights up any room he’s in and people are constantly trying to get him to smile.  I want others to know that just because his eyes are closed, doesn’t mean he’s sleeping.  Sometimes he closes his eyes because the environment he’s in is too much for him to process.  Other times, it’s because he’s being stubborn and ignoring us!"


     

    Family photos are so special because they allow us to look back and see the joy and love our family shares.  Sometimes you can even catch Cole’s feisty personality on camera.  Of course, this time he chose to ignore all of us! There’s that stubborn streak!

    Carlson Family Photos Fall 2022 by Emily Koivisto

    Past Family Sessions

    Meet Oliver and Family, Fall 2020

    About Oliver

    Oliver is a 4 year old boy who LOVES his family! Especially his sister, Harper.  His parents, Mike and Maryssa, describe him as a sweet and silly child.  He loves anything that plays music or lights up!  He also loves hearing marching bands at parades!  Anyone who meets Oliver immediately falls in love with his infectious smile and full-of-joy personality.  He exudes joy and happiness in every way!

    Oliver's Story

    Oliver was born at 37.5 weeks via emergency C-section.  The day he was born Maryssa felt little movement, so naturally, she went to the hospital to ensure her baby was safe.  Within 45 minutes of arriving, Oliver was born not breathing.  Doctors explained that for some unknown reason, Oliver was deprived of oxygen in utero due to massive blood loss.  Unfortunately, they still can't explain the exact cause.  


    Oliver was later diagnosed with a birth injury type known as Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE).  This HIE injury has lead to other diagnoses including spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, vision issues, and the need for a G/J feeding tube.     

    Words from Maryssa

    "Oliver has definitely had to deal with more surgeries and therapies than any child should have to, but that doesn't take away his happiness! I couldn't imagine Oliver being any other way.  He has changed our life for the better, and I will forever love his beautiful blue eyes and big happy smile!"

    Photos by Holly Grams

    Contact Us

    Nominate a Family for Photos

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    KourageousKarter Foundation

    Help Our Cause

    We are NOW ACCEPTING donations!  Your generous donations will fund our mission projects! You may donate any amount-  Everything helps!  Donate online by clicking the box below.  Or send checks to:


    KourageousKarter Foundation

    PO Box 184

    Hugo, MN 55038


    Donations are Tax Deductible! 

    EIN: 84-4126787

    Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

    Want to become a recurring donor?

    If you are moved by our mission and platform, and want to donate on a regular basis, click the link below! We are humbled and honored for any donations we receive!

    Recurring Donations Here

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