About Extend the Wave
At Extend The Wave, we believe a wave has the power to heal, unite, and transform lives. Inspired by the iconic Hawkeye Wave, our mission is to extend this wave, often called the most inspiring tradition in college football beyond Iowa’s borders to bring hope to children and families facing unimaginable challenges.
Have you ever seen the Hawkeye Wave?
The Hawkeye Wave is more than a gesture, it’s a declaration of HOPE, Strength and Love that begins with the unwavering belief that no matter what we will NEVER GIVE UP!!!
Our Mission
Our mission is to extend the hope inspired by the Hawkeye WAVE to children and families beyond Iowa's borders.
EXTEND THE WAVE is inspired by Iowa Hall of Fame Swimmer, Kimberly Stevens, and her surviving children Victoria, and Daniel.
Extending the Wave
The Hawkeye WAVE has become one of the most cherished traditions in college football.
At the end of the first quarter of all Iowa Hawkeye home football games, 70,000 individuals, including fans, players, coaches, and officials, unite to send a WAVE of hope to children and their families at the Stead Family Children's Hospital, which overlooks Kinnick Stadium.
This wave of kindness isn’t just a gesture—it’s a lifeline, a beacon of hope offering children and their families a brief respite from the challenges they face in the hospital. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest times, we stand together.
The Hawkeye Wave holds an even deeper meaning for Kimberly Stevens, the founder of Extend The Wave.
Two years after the 1992 death of her baby son, Braden, to Citrullinemia, Kimberly’s daughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with the same disease. Doctors feared Victoria would not survive even one week. Kimberly refused to give up! Despite her diligence Victoria spent four years in and out of life-threatening crises resulting in numerous hospitalizations. Victoria was “cured” by a 1997 liver transplant. Today, VICTORIA IS THRIVING! The first Extend the wave event in 2023 was inspired by gratitude for Victoria’s miraculous 30th birthday.
With all this in mind, Kimberly and her two surviving children: Victoria and Daniel are on a mission to inspire others to NEVER GIVE UP.
On September 13, 2025 with your help we will extend the wave to 5 cities.
Extending the Wave
The Hawkeye WAVE has become one of the most cherished traditions in college football.
At the end of the first quarter of all Iowa Hawkeye home football games, 70,000 individuals, including fans, players, coaches, and officials, unite to send a WAVE of hope to children and their families at the Stead Children's Hospital, which overlooks Kinnick Stadium.
This wave of kindness isn’t just a gesture—it’s a lifeline, a beacon of hope offering children and their families a brief respite from the challenges they face in the hospital. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest times, we stand together.
The Hawkeye Wave holds an even deeper meaning for Kimberly Stevens, the founder of Extend The Wave.
Two years after the 1992 death of her baby son, Braden, to Citrullinemia, Kimberly’s daughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with the same disease. Doctors feared Victoria would not survive even one week. Kimberly refused to give up yet despite her diligence Victoria spent four years in and out of life-threatening crises resulting in numerous hospitalizations. Victoria was “cured” by a 1997 liver transplant. and today, VICTORIA IS THRIVING! The first Extend the wave event in 2023 was inspired by gratitude for Victoria’s miraculous 30th birthday.
With all this in mind, Kimberly and her two surviving children: Victoria and Daniel are on a mission to inspire others to NEVER GIVE UP.
Extend The Wave
One Wave. One Moment. A Lifetime of Hope.
Our Mission
To bring hope, healing, and a sense of connection to children and families in children’s hospitals by extending the spirit of the Hawkeye Wave across the nation—one hospital, one family, one heartfelt moment at a time.
Our Vision
A world where no child or family facing medical challenges feels alone—where communities unite in simple but powerful gestures of encouragement, and where a wave becomes a symbol of shared strength, resilience, and unwavering support.
Core Values
Hope
We believe even the smallest gesture can spark hope in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.
Connection
We are bridge-builders—linking hospitals, families, and communities through one unifying, heartfelt act.
Resilience
We are rooted in real stories of survival and strength—and we show others that they can endure too.
Compassion
We show up with empathy, meeting families where they are with tenderness and care.
Legacy
Born from a personal journey, we give back in gratitude, honoring every child’s story and every miracle along the way.
Joy
We infuse every moment with joy—because light matters, especially in the darkest places.
Faith
Faith grounds everything we do. We believe in purpose, in divine timing, and in the unseen impact of showing up with love.
Extend the Wave is a G3 for Giving initiative inspired by a family’s journey, fueled by community, and driven by heart
Latest News
Extend the Wave: Hawkeye Wave makes its way to Florida
The Hawkeye tradition exclusive to Kinnick stadium is making smiles at a children’s hospital across the country.
UI Hall of Famer’s plan to ‘Extend the Wave’
The ‘Hawkeye Wave’ inside Kinnick Stadium is arguably the most impactful tradition in college sports. [ Watch Video ]
