3rd Annual Afghans for NICU Babies for Christmas - THANK YOU NOTE POST 356

[badrhinogillett]

This is the third year I'm asking for help from you generous people to help me bring afghans to Oakland Children's Hospital's NICU. You can see last year's post here.

Oakland Children's Hospital's NICU saved my son's life. He was born with a rare disorder and for 10 days while he struggled, the hospital gave my family back my son. I owe them an emotional debt that I will never be able to repay.

My son was in the hospital over Thanksgiving and we thought he would be there for Christmas. The only thing worse than watching your child drastically ill, would be to watch them die. However, somehow, the idea of having him there over Christmas added to the pain for me. Therefore, I want to try to let the parents of children there over Christmas know that people are thinking about them. When my son was in the hospital, it was knowing that people that didn't even know us were praying for us, or making cards etc, that helped to get me through.

The NICU holds 40 beds. In 2007, I was able to bring 44 ghans to the hospital with everyone's help. Last year, we brought 111. My goal this year is to bring just one more 112. That's not quiet 3 rotations of the nursery.

The first 40 ghans will be given to the babies by Santa himself on Christmas day. The rest will be used for new babies, for siblings in need of comfort, and to wrap babies that will never go home as their parents hold them for the last time.

If you are able to help me, any sized blanket is needed. The NICU services babies from extreme preemie to babies up to 1 year old. If you smoke or have pets, please be sure to wash the ghans before you send them as these babies are very sensitive. Any yarn, any size -- edgerydoo- knit -- anything handmade would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for considering helping me. I appreciate it more than you know.

This year, we already have a ghan to get us started from Hockeymomcrochets! I will post a picture of it when I get home.

[heart]

I will definately add this to my list. I'd love to help. Thank you for the opportunity.

Is there a time limit, or are you able to take them all year? I may be sending more than 1.

[badrhinogillett]

Thank you! You can send them whenever you'd like. The last two years, I"ve taken them to the hospital the week after Thanksgiving. At this last drop off, the woman indicated they may want them a little bit earlier as Christmas is a big rush for them in order to organize the holiday for all the kids. So, figure any time between now and November 1.

[CrochettingMama]

I am in this year as well!! This is something close to my heart too.

[badrhinogillett]

Thank you!

[Daisy]

I think I am in as well. I love making preemie and small baby blankies, hope this will help.

[badrhinogillett]

It will be a big help, Thank you!

[yarnjeannie]

As the mother of a NICU-graduate myself (he's now 25 with a baby of his own!), I would be honored to take part again. I will send whatever I can make - I'll let you know when I have something finished. Can you use more little hats again?

[badrhinogillett]

Absolutely! Hat would be great! Thanks so much!

[jessicagil]

I got one with a matching hat. I will send it after summer. Maybe I can do some more by then.