who we are

“In the end it will be the moments shared and memories forged that we cherish most not the gifts received or accolades earned”

- Mark Kubista

our story

At the heart of our nonprofit organization is a story of love, resilience, and the enduring memory of an extraordinary young boy name Cole Kubista. Cole’s life was filled with medical challenges, in which he defied all odds. However, his medical complexities were not what defined him. His humor, his perseverance, his positive impact, and his ability to create incredible connections amongst others is what he was most known for. Cole had such an amazing love for life and everyone he got to share it with. Nothing made him happier than making others laugh and smile. Among the top of Coles favorite things to do was to travel. He would get so excited when it was getting close to a trip that he would start packing his bags weeks in advance. Every day he would pull out his calendar and count how many more days we had left before we could go. Nothing can compare to the love we shared. His unexpected passing left a void in our hearts, but his love for life and travel continue to inspire us. While planning his celebration of life and going through the countless pictures of our family traveling, we were ignited with passion to provide for other families what we are so grateful we had the opportunity to provide for Cole. The one thing that can never be lost, cherished memories.

By sharing the life and story of Cole Kubista we hope to inspire positivity and perseverance in the face of adversity

WHAT WE DO

• We provide families with children that have complex needs the opportunity to embark on free, customized vacations. These vacations include accommodations, transportation, and activities that are thoughtfully selected to ensure comfort and enjoyment for all family members. 

• We host events throughout the year where the community can connect and get involved in support of our mission.

• We offer a supportive network where families can connect with others who understand their challenges. Through our online community and in person gatherings, families can share experiences, advice, and emotional support. 

• We actively engage with policymakers and service professionals to advocate for the development and enhancement of more supportive services to include increased availability of respite care, travel friendly equipment, and mental health support.

our team

Wendy and Mark Kubista founded the Cole Kubista Foundation after the passing of their amazing son Cole Kubista on May 10th of 2023. Wendy and Mark made every effort to fill Coles life with love and adventure. In Coles 8 short years of life he was able to travel more than many adults ever have the chance to. These vacations away from busy work schedules and many of the daily struggles that come along with caring for a medically complex child helped strengthen their families bond. These moments shared will never be forgotten and will always be cherished.