130.
130 mothers feeling, for the first time,
a little less alone on the start of a very scary journey.
130 fathers given the gift of HOPE.
130 families changed forever.
In the past twelve months, Sisters by Heart sent 130 care packages to families facing the life-long journey with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. We’re so proud. And we’re so excited, about where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re headed.
But truthfully, it all started with 3. Just 3. 3 scared moms facing a new HLHS diagnosis. 3 families embarking on a life-changing journey. 3 moms that we wanted to help in some small way. On December 16, 2010, we mailed our very first Sisters by Heart care package. 3 care packages went out that day. They weren’t fancy. They didn’t include a lot of the “frills” that our packages include now. But they did include the essentials, and the most important thing we offer – HOPE.
We look at the last 365 days and know what they represent for us: a whole lot of love, sweat and tears poured into a dream that has taken flight in ways we could not have ever imagined. But, in honor of our very first anniversary, we wanted you to hear from the families we've touched. We asked those first 3 families if they wouldn’t mind sharing with us a little of what Sisters by Heart has meant to them. We hope their stories touch you as much as they have touched us.
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Parker
Dec. 19th 2010- Dec. 30th 2010 |
“A year ago after the delivery of my son, I received a package from Sisters by Heart. It was the week of Christmas, my son was very sick and honestly I was having a pretty rough time. Getting the package in the mail lifted my spirits. There was a lot more in that package than just material things. There was also hope, love, understanding, support and most of all friendship. Thank you for everything you ladies do!”
Heather, mommy to Parker
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Austin
almost 1 (and 8 months post Glenn) |
“Happy Anniversary Sisters by Heart! How could I ever forget? It is very emotional to think about what was happening at this time last year. I was terrified about the upcoming birth of my son Austin (HLHS) and pretty unsure of what was to come. I remember opening the package with tears in my eyes reading the notes about you all and on every single item as I remembered hearing heart mom's talk about these things -- side snap onesies, pacis for after extubation, a journal and pen to take notes and other surprises! To know that there were moms out there who made it through this part and wanted to share this with me was so touching. The Sisters by Heart care package was the first thing that I packed in my hospital bag and I used EVERY item! I told our nurses about how such a sweet group of heart moms got together and sent me those things and how you all also taught a lot about what to expect to this new CHD mom. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished in touching the ♥hearts♥ of so many during this past year! You are amazing!”
Amanda, mommy to Austin
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Olivia
Dec. 23rd 2010- Apr 24th 2011 |
“The first time I ever saw anything from SBH was a few days after Olivia’s heart surgery. I remember walking into our room and seeing a package on the chair and the nurse smiled at me and said it was for us. Chris and I opened the package right there to see what was inside. The package had onesies that Olivia was soon able to wear, a note book and pen (which became a close friend of mine) and a few other little things that we never knew we needed. We were so happy to get something from moms who knew just what we needed. Chris and I hugged and showed our sweet girl her gifts. We have received so much love and support from so many but the care package really stands out with us. It was the first thing we received on our journey and SBH has been there every step of the way. Our Olivia has since passed away and now is off playing in heaven but Sisters by Heart still continues to shower our family with love and hope for the future! Thank you ladies for all that you do and I truly believe in Earth Angels now. Happy Anniversary and best wishes for many more to come!”
Katie, mommy to Olivia, and the Davis Family
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to these 3 families for sharing with us, and to every single one of the 130 families who have allowed us to touch them in some way this past year. Happy anniversary to each and every one of our special heart families!
Please consider making a donation today, in honor of these three families, and the 127 families that followed in their brave footsteps. Without the ongoing support of our generous donors, we cannot continue to serve these families. Please click here (or simply click on the "Donate" button to the right of this entry) to make a donation!
