Recipient Stories

Kalei is a former Wayne State College Wildcat wide receiver, originally from Santa Rosa, California. He joined the program following stellar performances at Santa Rosa Junior College—where he hauled in 47 receptions for 632 yards, scored seven touchdowns, and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a TD—and a season at the College of Idaho. Aukai appeared in two games during his time at Wayne State, contributing on special teams in matchups against Winona State and Southwest Minnesota State in 2019.

Bridget contributed in over 12 games in her tenure and recorded five shots with two on goal for on goal percentage of .400.
She was diagnosed with Stage 3 Primary Angiosarcoma. Bridget began her journey to recovery with the help of the Nebraska Greats Foundation.

Dawnn was a promising and hard-working team player at Wayne State College. She transferred to Wayne in 1987 to become a junior college women’s basketball star.
In March 2022, Dawnn was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease that has marked a new chapter in her life.
“I am beyond blessed and grateful that the Nebraska Greats Foundation is able to help with an accessible bathroom and a ramp for the front door. These things are going to make my life so much easier as I journey through my battle with ALS. I’m honored to become part of the Nebraska Greats Foundation family! Thank you from the bottom of my Heart for your generosity. You guys are Amazing!” -Dawnn.

I am forever grateful to the Nebraska Greats Foundation because without them, my dream of traveling to New York to undergo Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR), by renowned orthopedic surgeon, Edwin P. Su, M.D., and receive the “gold standard” of hip resurfacing implants, would have stayed just that, a dream and never a reality. Thank you for helping me get back to winning in the game of life!”