What Do You Think?

KateySue · September 2010

Going through such a rough pregnancy has been difficult but I have been so touched by the stories of those who have gone through much worse. For example, the families that spend months in the NICU, the families that say goodbye to their babies much too soon, and so on.

Yes, we've lost two babies and yes, at any moment we could become a family that spends day and night in the NICU... I think it is the reality of how close we are to such intense situations that is so sobering. Not a moment passes that we don't the the Lord for continuing to protect us from such situations and our hearts break each time we hear about another family saying goodbye to their LO, or spending every waking hour in the NICU.

This got me thinking - I want to help. In some small way, I want to help those who are going through the very thing that we all fear. I'm a big believer in prayer so of course, that's my first line of defense but I would like to do something tangible, something that people can hold onto, something that will make life as they know it just a tiny bit easier...if that's even possible. So at church this morning, I started thinking about my small way to help and I would love you reactions/input/thoughts about this...

You know those silicone wrist bands that have slogans, causes and sayings on them? Probably the most popular is the yellow Live Strong band. Well, what if DH and I have those made? The thinking is this: We can sell them to friends, family, church, etc. The benefits are three-fold...people will wear the bracelet which like all of these bracelets, will be a conversation starter and help raise awareness about preemies and what kind of sacrifices families have to make (ie: leave work to be on bed rest, then spend months at the hospital, pay huge hospital bills, and then there's the emotional and physical toll it takes, etc). The second is that those wearing the bracelets will be praying for families, babies and so on. The third is that I would like to use all of the money earned from the bracelets to bless a family in the NICU. Maybe they need help with their utility bill for a few months or maybe they can't afford to fly family out to see the baby and help, or maybe their insurance doesn't cover much and they need help paying for hospital bills, or maybe they need preemie clothes and so on.

I know that it won't be much, but maybe in some small way, it would help. What do you ladies think? Please, if this seems silly, let me know...I'd rather know than go for it and make a fool of myself.

And if I do go for it, what should I put on the bracelet? DH suggested that we put our son's name since in our small community, he has become somewhat of a household name and poster child. Lots of people are praying for Nolan so I think that his name is a good idea for the bracelet BUT is that too personal? Should it just say something more general? Any ideas?? TIA!!

LaLaaaa · September 2010

I think it's a beautiful idea. Kudos to you and your husband for wanting to do something and for following through with it.

I can't think of anything right now for you to put on it, but I'll ponder it and if I can think of something I'll definitely let you know.

chpswife · September 2010

It's so refreshing to hear of someone else's faith in prayer. I too am a strong believer in prayer. I LOVE your idea. We have done something similar for my best friend who fought Breast Cancer two years ago. We had bracelets made for the purpose of raising money for her medical/financials. Hers said "Team Brandy". It was amazing to see all of the kids at our school sporting these bracelets and also our town is small enough that we had a lot of community support. Sounds like you might have the same support! What about "Team Nolan" or "Team Baby" idk.......just suggestions. You are in my prayers.........

LittleDucky · September 2010

What about selling these wristbands for the March of Dimes? The March of Dimes does a ton of work for premature babies and has contributed greatly to increased survival rates. I know it's not quite what you were talking about since it doesn't go directly to a specific family, but March of Dimes is a great organization and people will recognize the name.

lovesgummies · September 2010

First of all, I think it is awesome that you want to do this! It is amazing to see how wonderful things can come out of such difficult times. I guess I don't really have any advice to offer though as far as the bracelets. It seems like they were really popular for a while, but that has seemed to calm down. But if you're just sort of targeting your community, and they all know about the struggles you've been going through, I'd imagine tons of people would be willing to help. And as far as what goes on the bracelet? If you're comfortable with it, using your son's name would be ok. It would bring a personal feeling to those who buy the bracelets and talk about them with other friends and family...not just a "general" cause, do you get what I mean?

babyonthebrain2010 · September 2010

I think it's a great idea. In high school a friend and I began making braided bracelets and selling them to benefit local children with terminal illnesses. Not the same thing you're talking about, but similar. We would go door to door, ask friends and family members for donations... We used the money to put together "goodie baskets" to bring the children in the hospital and did it successfully for 3 years. Ours started as a project for class, so we did everything "under the table" and it was still a challenging experience, but worth it totally. I agree with PP about the March of Dimes. It's an easy organization to get involved with and it's very well known. Good luck!

Kristi221 · September 2010

Maybe you could check out to see if you have a Ronald McDonald house in your area and see what help they could use. A lot of families have to stay there while their LOs are in the NICU away from home or going through other sorts of medical treatment.

I also like the March of Dimes bracelet idea. How awesome of you for 1. standing up and talking about your belief in the power of prayer (it's not stood up for enough by "normal" people) and 2. wanting to do something for others when you could just as easily sit back and want people to do things for you given your situation. Very cool!

rachelshannon · September 2010

I think that is a great idea! You might also check with your local March of Dimes office and see what they are doing in your community. I work for them in Atlanta and we already have the bracelets in office and everything we do goes to fight prematurity and to help families going through it.

KateySue · September 2010

Thanks ladies!! I will take some time to think on all of your wonderful ideas and suggestions and I'll let you know what comes of it.

Regarding a book - oh, I wish!! You'd think that with my background in journalism and my love for writing, that I'd be able to whip out a 100+ page manuscript in a day's time. Nope. I lack the inspiration required. I really struggle with knowing what to write about, and making it past the first few pages without getting discouraged and giving up. I am reading a book about become a lit star before your dead so maybe it will encourage my desire...who knows. For now, I Bump, proof read anything and everything printed at our church and scratch thoughtless mussings on the pad of paper on my nightstand when I can't sleep. Hardly the glamorous life if an author, of literary genius, but it will do for now. Big Smile

Mommysaurus123 · September 2010

If you get these bracelets made, I will definitely buy some from you. I wonder if your church (not sure how big or web-savvy it is) could sell them through their website or something, to reach more people? Then you could send everyone you know (who could send everyone THEY know) a link to the site and buy them! I think it's cool that you want to do this... I know a lot of people are talking about MoD, but with non-profits and stuff, so much of the actual donation goes to their corporate costs, etc, and so little goes to the people who need it, which is why I think it's awesome that you want to do this on your own. Maybe your church has a little extra in their budget and they want to donate that to buying the bracelets from the manufacturer?

And I think something that would be awesome for you to do for the families in the NICU, etc, is just to offer prayer. We know of a family with 3 girls, and the family was in a really bad car accident that left the dad in really bad shape. The mom said that the most comforting thing was just hearing other people (that they didn't even know) offering up prayers. They are definitely working! Maybe it would be lifechanging for others and their LOs if you and DH went in and visited with families with kids in the NICU and prayed with or for them!

Lastly, I agree with everyone else... you are definitely an inspiration to all of us and I am so glad Nolan is doing well these days! Maybe it's for the ice cream... I don't know. But my thoughts and prayers are definitely with you the next few months!

KateySue · September 2010

MLS_Becker:
If you get these bracelets made, I will definitely buy some from you. I wonder if your church (not sure how big or web-savvy it is) could sell them through their website or something, to reach more people? Then you could send everyone you know (who could send everyone THEY know) a link to the site and buy them! I think it's cool that you want to do this... I know a lot of people are talking about MoD, but with non-profits and stuff, so much of the actual donation goes to their corporate costs, etc, and so little goes to the people who need it, which is why I think it's awesome that you want to do this on your own. Maybe your church has a little extra in their budget and they want to donate that to buying the bracelets from the manufacturer?

And I think something that would be awesome for you to do for the families in the NICU, etc, is just to offer prayer. We know of a family with 3 girls, and the family was in a really bad car accident that left the dad in really bad shape. The mom said that the most comforting thing was just hearing other people (that they didn't even know) offering up prayers. They are definitely working! Maybe it would be lifechanging for others and their LOs if you and DH went in and visited with families with kids in the NICU and prayed with or for them!

Lastly, I agree with everyone else... you are definitely an inspiration to all of us and I am so glad Nolan is doing well these days! Maybe it's for the ice cream... I don't know. But my thoughts and prayers are definitely with you the next few months!

Thanks!! As a matter of fact, my DH is the Director of Technology at our church. Maybe the fact that I sleep with the tech guy will help me get a spot on the website Wink

Our church does have a stash for things like this BUT I feel like it is important to leave it there for those who REALLY need help getting a ministry started...and since I'm not really doing this under the umbrella of my church, I would feel uncomfortable asking for financial backing. I was actually blessed to work as an Editor at a big print shop a couple years ago so I made a call and they are giving me a big fat discount so that I can have the bracelets made at a fraction of the cost. I'm pretty much getting them at-cost, and volunteering some of my time to help with editing the big projects that hit in the Fall (mostly school stuff).

We are praying now and will continue to. I am going to type up a little letter to put in the baskets for the families, explaining my heart, how this all came to be and letting them know that there are many people praying for them. Most NICU's don't let "strangers" in, unless you are clergy, so I'm not sure how available the families would be for us to actually physically pray with them, but maybe bonds will form through this and we will have opportunities to meet with some of the families. At least they will be able to read our letter.

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