Our Story

Kassi’s Kasa began long before it had a name. It began with a little girl — Kasandra Belle Offenbacker — born on November 10, 2001, in Arizona to Michael and Patrisha Offenbacker. She was bright, joyful, curious, and full of life. Just before her third birthday, her father joined the U.S. Air Force, and the family moved to Mountain Home, Idaho. A year later, her brother Tyler was born, completing their family of four.

Soon after, Kassi’s parents noticed changes in her development. What started as questions led to doctor visits, evaluations, and eventually a life‑altering discovery. A neurologist in Boise referred the family to a genetic specialist. Within months, they found themselves at Duke University, seeking answers.

There, they learned the truth: Kassi had Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare and fatal genetic disorder with no cure and no effective treatment. The disease would slowly take her abilities — her speech, her mobility, her memory — and ultimately her life. Most children with Sanfilippo do not live beyond their teenage years.

Faced with the option of a stem cell transplant that offered little hope, the Offenbackers turned to prayer, faith, and the wisdom of loved ones. They chose not to pursue the procedure. Instead, they made a different decision — one that would define the rest of Kassi’s life and eventually inspire a nonprofit.

They chose to fight for her to live fully.

From that moment on, the family committed to giving Kassi a life overflowing with adventure, connection, and joy. She dogsledded, surfed, played soccer, hiked, skied, sledded, rode horses, and embraced every experience with a smile. When she wasn’t exploring, she loved her movies — especially Disney and Pixar. Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Madagascar, princesses, dinosaurs, and animals of every kind (especially dogs) filled her world.

While stationed at Travis AFB in California, the Offenbackers built a community around her. They launched Kassi’s Kause, hosting walk/runs, spaghetti dinners, BBQs, and awareness events. Kassi became a local celebrity — not because she understood the spotlight, but because she loved the joy and connection that surrounded her.

Their mission was simple: Give Kassi the best life possible while raising awareness for Sanfilippo Syndrome.

After seven years at Travis AFB, the family moved to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. The special needs community was smaller, and Kassi’s health was declining. Adventures became gentler. Nursing staff joined their daily routine. Tyler started playing hockey. Their hockey family became their new support system.

In April 2017, after several difficult hospitalizations, Kassi was placed on hospice. On May 22, 2017 at 7:11 pm, surrounded by her family, her nurse Danielle, and all her dogs, Kassi Belle took her final breath.

Even with years of preparation, nothing softens the grief of losing a child.

A year later, the Air Force moved the family to Alaska, where they lived for six years. Mike retired after 20 years of service, Tyler graduated in 2024, and the family made a bold move to Texas — a place they felt called to be.

Nine years after Kassi’s passing, the Offenbackers finally reached a place where they could share her story again. Not from fresh grief, but from renewed purpose.

And that is where Kassi’s Kasa was born.

Kassi’s Kasa exists to honor Kassi’s life by supporting families of U.S. military service members and first responders who care for dependents with special needs. The organization reflects the journey her family lived — navigating military life, medical challenges, relocations, isolation, and the need for community.

Kassi’s Kasa is built on three pillars:

• Support — meeting practical needs for families facing overwhelming challenges

• Strength — empowering caregivers through resources, advocacy, and community

• Service — demonstrating the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in action

Kassi’s life was short, but her impact was immeasurable. Her joy inspired a movement. Her story built communities. Her legacy continues through every family Kassi’s Kasa serves.

Kassi’s story is worth sharing. Her life mattered. And her legacy lives on in the mission she inspired.