Kai's Story
Kai Reyna was born at 25 weeks and 6 days, weighing just 2 lb 2 oz at 2:22 on 2/21/22. Through 116 NICU days, hydrocephalus, and four brain surgeries, he has taught an entire community what true grit and ear-to-ear joy look like.
A whole lot of heart
A little boy with a mighty spirit. A family with big dreams. And a whole community walking every step beside him.
Kai is known for his contagious laugh and unstoppable curiosity. Despite severe early brain bleeds, Hydrocephalus, and a diagnosis of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Kai tackles daily physical, occupational, and speech therapy with determination that moves everyone who meets him.
“They said Kai wouldn't talk… now he won't stop!” Every small step from his adaptive gait trainer to his big jokes with sister Kaysha proves that true strength wears a smile.
The road so far
A chronological timeline of Kai's milestones - from his earliest days in the NICU to the road ahead.
- 1Born a fighter (25w 6d)Photo pending
Feb 21, 2022
Born a fighter (25w 6d)
Kai Reyna arrived at 25 weeks and 6 days, weighing just 2 lb 2 oz at 2:22 on 2/21/22 in Boise, Idaho - the day before Dustin and Tawny's anniversary.
- 2116 Days in the NICUPhoto pending
Spring 2022
116 Days in the NICU
Four months of fighting every single hour. Kai breathed on high-frequency ventilators, beat infections, and was held skin-to-skin through critical monitors.
- 3Three Brain Bleeds & HydrocephalusPhoto pending
NICU Stay 2022
Three Brain Bleeds & Hydrocephalus
Early grade intraventricular hemorrhages created fluid buildup that required specialized pediatric neurosurgery and emergency monitoring.
- 4First Shunt & Brain SurgeriesPhoto pending
2022 - 2023
First Shunt & Brain Surgeries
Kai underwent his first neurosurgeries to place a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to relieve pressure and protect brain tissue.
- 5Coming Home to IdahoPhoto pending
Summer 2022
Coming Home to Idaho
After 116 grueling days, big sister Kaysha and parents Dustin and Tawny welcomed Kai home to begin their home therapy journey together.
- 6Spastic Quadriplegic CP DiagnosisPhoto pending
Age 1
Spastic Quadriplegic CP Diagnosis
Diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Kai began high-intensity physical, occupational, and speech therapy routines every week.
- 7Four Brain Surgeries OvercomePhoto pending
2022 - 2024
Four Brain Surgeries Overcome
Through shunt revisions and neurosurgeries, Kai proved time and time again that his spirit outmatches any operating room table.
- 8Guided Growth Surgery & RecoveryPhoto pending
2024 - 2025
Guided Growth Surgery & Recovery
Thanks to a guided-growth procedure, Kai avoided a body cast. Surgeons released five tendons and placed a screw in his femur to his growth plate, followed by a focused recovery period to rebuild strength.
- 9First Steps in the Gait TrainerPhoto pending
Current Victory
First Steps in the Gait Trainer
Working with his physical therapist, Kai pushed forward on his own two feet in his adaptive gait trainer, lighting up the entire room.
- 10Finding His Voice & Big LaughsPhoto pending
Age 4
Finding His Voice & Big Laughs
They once wondered if Kai would ever speak or laugh out loud. Today, his jokes, ear-to-ear smile, and playful spirit lead the entire family.
- 11Kai's Crew Rallies for the Road AheadPhoto pending
Today & Beyond
Kai's Crew Rallies for the Road Ahead
With specialized therapy intensives, DMI therapy, and adaptive equipment goals ahead, a community of thousands wears Kai Strong across the country.
The story in figures
A few verified numbers about Kai's journey. Shown only once the family confirms them.
The mission behind the merch
Kai's Crew exists to wrap one kid in a whole community. See how every purchase and gift fits the road ahead.
Thank you for being here
Whether you wear the merch, share a post, show up at an event, give directly, or simply cheer Kai on, you're part of his Crew.