On September 24, 2005, we lost our 12-year-old son Alexander during a family camping trip in remote South Kona. We believe he fell into the ocean at night while crossing a plank in the dark. Despite five days of searching with family, friends, and rescue personnel, we were never able to bring him home.

Then, on May 31, 2010, our 14-year-old son Duke suffered fatal injuries in a golf cart accident. His young friends didn’t know how to respond, and critical moments were lost. Though Duke briefly regained a heartbeat, the trauma was irreversible. He passed on June 3, 2010—and became a hero by donating his organs, saving the lives of three people and restoring sight to two others.

Our faith carried us through heartbreak. In honor of my sons, the Alex & Duke De Rego Foundation was birthed in 2011 and pain was turned into purpose.

Our mission is to empower Hawaiʻi’s youth with lifesaving knowledge in water safety, CPR, and ocean awareness. We are grateful to work closely with local school educators, whose dedication makes it possible to reach students where it matters most—in the classroom.  Alongside our educational partners, and through programs like the Junior Lifeguard Program we aim to equip youth with the skills and confidence to respond safely in and around the ocean.

This is our kuleana—to protect keiki, serve our community, and carry forward the light of Alex and Duke through love in action