Jamie and I decided shortly after our daughter's passing that we wanted to give back to the community through
fundraising, which is why we signed up for the March of Dimes: March for Babies
yearly walk event. As we got closer to the event (which is tomorrow), we decided to increase our reach within the community by not only involving our friends, family & coworkers, but by talking to our local news station and newspaper. Believe me, this has been a tough and tearful task as the memories of Naya's hospitalization came surging back each time we retold her story or a photo of hers was shared.
But it has all been worth it. An article in the New Times was published yesterday which described our team's goal to support research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives.
And today, our story aired on KSBY. The story (which I just watched) was put together wonderfully and brought a tear to my eye. Here is the link to the video.
As the article and story both stated, the generous gifts that have been provided by you for the March for Babies event will be used to
bring comfort and information to families with a baby in the newborn intensive
care units.
If you would like more
information on the March of Dimes: March for Babies, you can go to: www.marchforbabies.org/
Or if you would
like to help by donating to our team, you can either visit the team page or purchase one of these bracelets.
Thank you KSBY, New Times, friends, family and readers of our blog. You've listened to Naya's story and supported us beyond belief.
Hello! This is Danielle, I took care of you guys and your sweet little girl in the PICU at Cottage. I saw you guys on the news tonight and just wanted you to know I have thought about you two and Naya so many times over the past few months... Especially the last 2 months, as I have a newborn of my own. I cannot imagine the pain you have endured. You two were such a delight to work with, I'm so glad I found a way to get ahold of you. You guys are doing wonderful things for sick babies, Naya must be so proud.
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle - I'm glad you found us! We've thought a lot about everyone at Cottage in the past 8 months and haven't had much luck finding any of you. Please give everyone our love and let them know how much we appreciate everything you did for us and for her. Congrats on your new little one as well. Are you on FB? I would love to KIT.
DeleteYes I am on Facebook! Please find me :)
DeleteJust watched the news story and it brought tears to my eyes. I know the Naya is so proud of you and Dan and will be marching with you today.
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather - I still can't watch it without crying.
DeleteThe news stories were beautiful. I'm sorry you've had to relive this over and over, but I can only imagine the thousands of people you are reaching with your message. I don't even know you, and I have become so attached to your blog, I feel like family. Naya was so lucky to have had you as parents, she has become a blessing to many.
ReplyDeleteI feel like that too Giselle. It's strange how you can become so attached to people you have only met via the internet.
DeleteHi Jaime and Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI'm the KSBY News reporter who wrote the story on little Naya and your incredible efforts to help other sick babies.
Our photographer, Nate, interviewed you and did a wonderful job getting to the heart of the story.
I listened to the entire interview he did with you and I have to say I was in tears.
As a mother, I cannot imagine your grief and am so amazed by your willingness and ability to do what you've done for other babies in need.
You really are incredible people.
Take care and God bless...and congrats for the little one on the way.
Carina
Thank you Carina. You and Nate did such a wonderful job. We were truly blown away about how well it was put together. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share our story, raise more money for the March of Dimes and to raise more awareness. We are very grateful.
DeleteDear Jaime & Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Nipomo CA. It is a place very close to my heart. I read your story and like Carina above I was in tears. I can not even begin to imagine what you are going through. I had a little boy Ryley who was born in SLO in 2009 , the absolute love of my life. I went into his room last night while he was sleeping and could not even imagine my life without him, my heart just breaks for the both of you.
My husband, son & I now live in Australia, however I still have a strong bond with Nipomo and the central coast. I am writing because I am an artist and I would like to create a piece of artwork to honor Naya. I will also hand over the copyright to you, this means you can make cards or reproduction pieces of the artwork to raise money in honor of Naya for the March of Dimes.
Please e-mail at meljanehogan@gmail and I can send you some examples of my work and if you would like to move forward we can start designing your artwork.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and a huge congrats for the little bubba that is on the way.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kindest regards,
Melissa Hogan
That would be so lovely Melissa, thank you! I will send you an email later this evening.
DeleteI am sure you realized I forgot the .com above. My email again is meljanehogan@gmail.com
ReplyDelete