Living Like Knox: A Story of Kindness, Community, and Legacy

September 11th marks a special and deeply personal day—Knox Dydalewicz’s birthday. On this day, his parents, Kim and Kevin, along with his brother, Kaden, and the community who loved him, pause to remember his life, his laughter, and his kindness. The Live Like Knox Foundation begins this blog to create a place to tell stories on the importance of kindness.

“This is where we’ll share the heart behind the work,” Kim explained. “We deeply believe the Live Like Knox Foundation is making a difference and has truly touched the hearts of those who have learned about it, especially in today’s world. Our hope is Knox’s 12 precious years and what he was known for — simply being a sweet friend, student, teammate, son, and brother; standing up for classmates who needed it; including everyone, and never worrying about “being cool” — will keep resonating with kids, young adults, and grown-ups, too. He never realized what a special impact he made on so many just by being himself and choosing kindness.”

This is where we will interview those who have been impacted so far by the Live Like Knox Foundation.

Knox’s Story

If you ask Kim and Kevin to describe Knox in a few words, they’ll tell you he was “Happy, ‘ALL-IN’, Joyful, Laughter, Caring, Animal Lover, Friend, Observant, Kind. 10/10 Day!”

One of the memories that always rises to the surface is Knox’s instinct to give. “Knox loved to share,” Kevin said. “If he saw another child without something he had—whether it was a basketball, candy, or a prize he’d just won—he was already walking over to give it away. He loved to teach: how to fish, shoot, snorkel, ride a scooter, play video games, trading basketball cards, story behind a shoe – he was an encourager – always to make someone else smile.”

Knox loved big and lived big. He adored animals, especially his three doodles and the hobby farm animals at his Nanny’s house. He thrived in sports—basketball, golf, water sports, fishing—and also found joy in simple things: holiday traditions, card trading, baking contests, collecting shoes, and scaring his mom just for laughs. “He absolutely knew Santa was real,” Kim said with a smile.

Most of all, Knox loved people. “He had the most beautiful heart,” Kim remembered. “He worked hard in school, would never think of hurting someone’s feelings, and always wanted more friends around. He included everyone.”

How It All Began

The Live Like Knox Foundation was born just days after Knox’s passing, when letters and messages began to pour in. Over and over, people wrote the same word to describe him: kind.

“When I saw that, I knew,” Kim recalled. “I told Kevin, I want to start a foundation for Knoxy Bear to spread kindness and to honor children who embody the same kind and joyful spirit—not because of grades, athletics, or talent, but simply for being a good human.”

The name came naturally. “Knox starts with K. Kindness starts with K. Being kind is Kool. It just fit,” Kevin said. “We wanted his name and his light to keep shining until the day we hold him again.”

The foundation’s mission is simple but powerful: to spread kindness, to celebrate kids and young adults with big hearts, and to keep Knox’s spirit alive in the community.

Reflections on the First Year

In just one year, the Foundation has hosted community events, launched kindness initiatives, and awarded $160,000 in scholarships to students who lead with empathy, inclusivity, and joy – nominated by their teachers, school admin, church/community leaders. Our 2026 Kindness Carries On Scholarship submissions open on 9/19/25.

Every milestone has held meaning. “The Foundation Dinner was an absolutely beautiful evening,” Kevin said. “Seeing the scholarships given, the stories shared—it felt like the work was coming to life.”

There have also been countless community moments—like Lilie’s, Knox’s favorite breakfast spot, now serving brunch monthly in his honor. “I know this is Knoxy orchestrating all of it,” Kim shared.

Even in the hardest grief, the work has been healing. “The foundation has been an immense therapy for our broken hearts,” Kim said. “When you do things for others, it makes you feel better. We don’t feel alone.” “We are so thankful for our community of support. Friends have turned into the best of friends since our tragedy on 4/27/24”.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Foundation is rooted in the same values Knox carried every day. “He loved to surprise families with dinner, to shop for kids in hospitals, to collect shoes for others. That’s what we want to carry forward,” Kevin said.

Their hope is to grow the scholarship fund, bring the Foundation’s mission into more schools and churches, and remind kids everywhere that kindness is simple—and that it matters.

“If Knox could see this, he’d be so embarrassed by the attention,” Kim admitted. “But we know he’d be proud. We believe with our whole hearts that he’s watching, smiling, and happy.”

Kindness Carries On

Launching this blog on Knox’s birthday is a way of honoring him with action, reflection, and community.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best, how was your day Knox?!? Kim always asked both Kaden and Knox this everyday after school” Kevin said it was always a 10. “That’s the message we hope people carry forward—walk out the door each day with the goal of simply being kind and end the day 10/10..”

From this space, the Foundation will continue to share stories, highlight kindness, and invite others to Live Like Knox.

“We hope you’ll continue this journey with us,” Kim and Kevin said. “Knox’s legacy is kindness—and kindness carries on.”

-Kimberly and Kevin Dydalewicz