The Rae Strong Foundation

The Rae Strong Foundation provides support for families of micro preemies.

Rae Strong is a 501(c)(3) that supports families of premature children. They provide support financially through grants to families and nonprofit organizations that assist in the needs of micro preemies and their families as well as emotional support from a community that has also faced these circumstances. Founders of Rae Strong, Lorelee Smith and Dan Friend, were motivated to create this organization from their own experiences. Their daughter, Rae, was born at 24 weeks. Lorelee and Dan spent 115 days in the Loyola Hospital NICU. 115 days of tests, treatments, visits from doctors and nurses, and heavy emotions. After those 115 days, they were able to take Rae home. To Lorelee and Dan, Rae is a symbol of strength. They created Rae Strong to help families with micro preemies have the strength to make it through.