Our daughter's Little Gym teacher recently shared that his new baby has a number of health issues. The doctors are suggesting that the baby only has a few months to live. We were so shocked and saddened by this news, and we desperately want to support this family in any way we can. In addition to prayer, does anyone have any suggestions regarding what we could possibly do for the family?
I'm glad you asked this question. I got the news yesterday as well, and I was so saddened for him and his family.
I was thinking about making a donation to some type of charity for children in his son's name.
A.
A short note that says thinking of you, and I imagine their home life is consumed with the care of the baby, so maybe calling ahead and saying you are bringing over supper and dropping it off, if that is o.k. occasinally . Also maybe offering to run an errand or something that they don't have time for under the circumstances, if that is the case, or if they have other children, offer to take one to the park for an hour or so to give them special time, and the parents a break. hope these ideas help.
L.,
My husband and I nearly lost one of our three year old twin boys in Sept. Through the grace of God, he survived his terrible illness which shocked us all, including the PICU doctors at Children's who were preparing us for his death. Our son spent 99 days in the hospital which was a huge burden on every level. We were so blessed by people (known and strangers) who gave us gift cards that could be used for gas, food at the hospital and other necessities. If this special friend's child is or will be in the hospital for an extended time, the kind of gifts I mentioned above will go a long way to relieving some of the unexpected financial burdens that come with having a critically ill child.
If someone is close to his family that can set up a Caring Bridge web page to communicate updates more efficiently would be helpful. There is also a Caring Bridge Calendar or something to sign up to provide a meal...you can see what days are covered and what is not....very helpful in organizing ongoing supports. The gift cards are a HUGE help too, I am sure. A gift card for a trustworthy house cleaner would be helpful to lessen the burden of housework...even if just one time. At work we have a dear friend going through cancer, so we provided all paper goods for quite a while. Lessens dishes. We provided dishwasher soap, laundry soap, plates, plastic ware, cups, toilet paper, freezer storage solutions for leftover foods (ziplocks, press N Seal wrap, etc),etc. It looked as if she had gone to Sam's to prepare for a HUGE hurricane or something. We are also doing the Komen walk in June in her honor; you could coordinate a March Of Dimes team for the next walk in the baby's honor....just some ideas.
We had a family member who delivered at 25 weeks gestation with twins. One did not make it and the other one was in the hospital for months. Everyone put together a money tree to help the family with gas, food, and an apartment/hotel room near by (we live 45 minutes to an hour away from Cook's). Another good idea would be making meals for this family. That is the last thing on your mind when you have an ill child in the hospital. Yes, you do get hot meals from the cafeteria at the hospital but there is nothing like a home cooked meal.
A.
I also passed the e-mail on to several families who are members at The Little Gym. Perhaps we could put our heads together on this one? A friend suggested that we participate in the monthly "birthday party" by offering to host one of those at the gym. Because they want to celebrate his short life, I thought this was a great idea. If you're interested, please message me!
They have said that they have good insurance and were not too worried about the hospital bill. Quite a few of us put together a monetary gift for them before the birth, and I think focusing on the baby would be a more positive move on the part of parents. Also, they don't live nearby, so that puts a bit of contraint on exactly what we can do. And they have plenty of family and a great deal of support through their church.
I too received the email yesterday, and it is all I can think about. I feel so terrible for their family and have no clue what to do for them. Maybe we could some how get donations for them. After weeks in the hospital I am sure they are going to have many expenses, not to mention funeral expenses when that time comes.
I cannot imagine being in their position, it is just terrible.
That is so nice that so many people are rallying around this family. They will also need your support down the road too. Someone mentioned caringbridge. That is an excellent idea and a wonderful way to keep family and friends informed about what is going on without having to repeat everything a hundred times. It is also a way for family and friends to reach out and say they care or find something that they can do to help. also writing or journaling can be a good for the parents who are going through this ordeal with their child. It is free and the website is www.caringbridge.org
