Bret Bigelow Foundation

Katie Bigelow is the mother of Bret Bigelow, whose extraordinary journey inspired the creation of the Bret Bigelow Foundation. Born critically ill and discharged from the NICU against the odds, Bret faced significant disabilities throughout his life, and his story became the driving force behind the Foundation's mission to bring comfort and dignity to chronically ill children through BRETS, specially designed adaptive pajamas. Katie draws on her own firsthand experience caring for Bret to guide the Foundation's work, ensuring that families facing similarly complex medical journeys feel supported and less alone. As CEO of Mettle Ops and a decorated Army Aviator, she brings the same discipline, compassion, and problem-solving instinct she developed in her career to her role as Bret's mother and as a leader within the Foundation. Her devotion to Bret's legacy continues to shape the Foundation's commitment to serving children and families navigating chronic illness.