Today is Social Butterfly’s 15th birthday. I was going to write a birthday post, but when another blogger asked me if I would participate in posting this message about Friends of Maddie I knew SB’s birthday post could wait.
You see, November 11 was Maddie’s birthday. That connection she has to my own healthy and happy daughter really resonated with me. I am so sorry that Maddie’s parents will never get to see their daughter’s 15th birthday. I am full of admiration for what they have done with their grief.
I don't think there are too many people reading this who didn't have their
heart broken on April 7th of this year. That's the day we learned that
Madeline Alice Spohr, whom we all knew as Maddie from The Sporhrs are Multiplying, was suddenly taken from her parents, Heather and Mike, when a respiratory infection coupled with a collapsed lung was more than her 17-month-old body could fight. Thousands of people across the country mourned with Heather and Mike, and thousands came to their support by donating to the March of Dimes in Maddie's memory.
Since then, the Spohrs, along with family and friends, have created Friends of Maddie , a fund dedicated to supporting families of critically ill or prematurely-born infants during their stay in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with supplies, help finding temporary lodging (because the NICU isn't always within commuting distance of home), and by creating a network of support.
Friends of Maddie uses your donation to put together Support Packs for families who find themselves overwhelmed with the care of an at-risk
newborn. The packs include items such as reusable water bottles, snack bars,
tissues, mints, and most importantly, a tri-fold binder with a note pad and
accordion file to keep track of paperwork.
"We're hopeful it will make it at a little easier for parents to keep track
of everything," Heather says."You get SO many papers, business cards, etc.,
every day, and it's hard to keep track of everything." She should know, she lived the experience. Maddie's sixty-eight-day stay in the NICU is chronicled on Heather's blog and her husband Mike's blog as well.
Readers across the country followed every setback and every victory. What message would she like to pass on to parents in the same situation?
"Patience. Take things a day at a time and live in the moment. Don't look
down the road or things will get REALLY scary and overwhelming," shared
Heather.
The reaction to the packs has been terrific, according to Heather, "We've
been getting a FANTASTIC response from everyone! We weren't expecting such a big response so we are really behind in getting back to everyone, but it's a
good problem to have!"
By now, you are all wondering how you can help, right? I knew it. You people
rock. Your options:
* Donate! I know, the economy is bad right now, but every little bit helps. Or...
* Let your local NICU know about Friends of Maddie, or...
* Do you work for a company that might bring a valuable service to
NICU parents? Contact FoM!
Or...
* Just spread the word! Write a blog post! Send out a tweet! Y'all
know how this works!
Mike and Heather's loss is unimaginable. In spite of their grief, they have
found a way to pay forward all the love poured out from thousands of hearts
across the internet.
Thank you for sharing this Jenn. You are doing a a great job spreading the word.
Posted by: Suz | November 11, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Wonderful post for a wonderful cause.
It's amazing how closely we feel a tragedy when linked to something in our own lives.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | November 11, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Happy Birthday to Social Butterfly! Fifteen is such a wonderful age. Well, all ages lower than 35 are pretty wonderful!!
I had not heard about this child. But it is amazing how some parents can be so strong and do so much good in the midst of such stress and sadness.
Posted by: Reluctant Blogger | November 11, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Many happy returns to Social Butterfly. I bet she wears 15 well.
I am impressed by the Spohrs, to fill their lives with goodness and generosity following such a loss.
Posted by: Green Girl in Wisconsin | November 11, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Wonderful post for a wonderful cause.
Work from home India
Posted by: prashant | November 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Happy Birthday SB! What a wonderful post and a great cause.
Posted by: Kelly | November 11, 2009 at 04:25 PM
As soon as I get my paycheck next week, you have my word that I will donate a small bit to the packs.
I also was hoping I could email you about TS at some point. I have a few questions. Andrea
Posted by: lifehappins | November 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
I would love to have a conversation with you about TS.
Jenn
Posted by: Jenn O | November 12, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Oh, I remember that sad day. Happy to make a donation.
Posted by: Fannie | November 12, 2009 at 02:59 PM
I remember this so well and I cried and cried. My heart burst for this family. In all of the sadness it was also a beautiful story the way so many came to their sides. I am often frustrated with the internet world but it's times like this I am glad it's here.
Posted by: Stacie Harris | November 12, 2009 at 08:31 PM
I continue to be blown away by their strength and their gift to others. Thank you for sharing this, Jenn.
Posted by: JCK | November 12, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
Posted by: imom | November 13, 2009 at 01:35 PM