Founder’s Story

Catherine "Kat" Renick (Formerly Leibbrandt)

Catherine "Kat" Renick (Formerly Leibbrandt) - a true overcomer and the taproot to IamMore® Foundation. It is from her that IamMore grows from and finds its inspirations.

​In 2012, as a 21-year-old Division 1 athlete, Kat was diagnosed with an aneurysm and Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a neuromuscular autoimmune disease. After years of battling symptoms, medical testing, and sitting on the side lines, these diagnoses were dream shattering to say the least. However, with the incredible support of her family and friends, Kat’s innate positivity prevailed, and her faith was strengthened.

The Athletic Department at the University of South Florida (USF) and the USF Women's Soccer coaches and team rallied around Kat. With the unconditional support of her family, friends, and most importantly, her athletic trainer, Michele Latimer, Kat was able to complete her career at USF. She continued to play valuable minutes, helping the USF Bulls notch winning seasons and continue on to advance to conference tournament semifinal appearances. Upon graduating in December 2013, she finished her career as the only person in history to play Division 1 College soccer with MG.

Due to this collegiate journey and medical battle, Kat felt it was her duty to share that same support, love, joy and hope that was gifted to her with others. It was in Kat's own experience that she discovered the power of self-image and how uplifting or detrimental it could be while living in a medically vulnerable state. Kat firmly believes that one of the reasons she was able to withstand her daily battles and continued to beat the odds was because she chose to be defined by her deep faith, self worth, and passion for soccer, rather than her diagnosis. This compelled her to start a non-profit foundation where children and individuals who suffer from illness or disability can pursue their love of sports or the arts, helping them to be identified by their passions rather than their affliction. In 2013, Kat, along with her close friend, John Ryan Murphy, her mother, Leslie, and sister, Gabby, started IamMore® Foundation. 

Although her soccer career has ended, her medical journey has not nor has her exploration of joy and passion. Now, in addition to being in our role of Chief Executive Officer, she is also a certified child life specialist, helping children and families build resiliency and promoting positive coping and development, bringing light to their darkest hour.