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| Allan Lepiten |
Thank you for the sympathy you've shown me and my wife during this difficult time. Our baby, Gabriel, wasn't ready for this world, but we believe he has become our guardian angel. During his short time with us and thereafter, we grew beyond our shyness and fears – reaching out for help from anyone who could give it, online and off. This journey has been painful, and yet we are very grateful that Gabriel was able to hear our voices and to experience how much we loved him. We are so thankful for Graham's Foundation because when we were first grieving, we found in you someone who understood exactly what we were going through. Our hope is that we can find a similar organization in the Philippines so that we can volunteer and help other parents.
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| Robbie Peyton |
I was so touched by the things that I found in my care package –particularly the poems of hope – that I had to write with my thanks. When I was told they were going to have to take my baby James at 26 weeks, I was terrified! I cried a lot, and I do mean a lot, because I had no idea what was coming. On October 22, 2011 I gave birth to a son weighing 1lb 8oz. I have never seen a person that tiny. The only thing I wanted to do was hold him close and let him know that I was there, but that was not possible. I was not able to hold James till he was about 6 weeks old; I felt as if I had missed out on the bonding process with him. But I was wrong! James snuggled into my chest and rested as if he knew who I was. I cannot explain the joy that was in my heart on that day!
He is now two months old and weighs 3 lbs 12oz. He has had a few up and down days, and I know that he still has a long way to go. I also know that I have a lot of patience yet to gain in this process. Being a single mother with another child, I can't be there in the NICU everyday like I'd like to be, but I visit as much as I can. Yet I feel like a part of me is missing – like a piece of my heart is at the hospital. James is where he needs to be right now, though, and I hold him as much as I can to show him my love. Thank you for being the angels that you are and for reaching out to those of us who are going through this right now. The hope that your care package gave me cannot be expressed in words.
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| Nicole Bugna-Doyle |
Our identical twin boys decided to come into the world on November 19th at 24 weeks and 6 days. I am still trying to process what happened. It has been surreal and stressful. Our boys have had some rough days in the NICU but have had some good days as well. We know that they are in the best hands at Santa Monica UCLA Hospital, but it was such a bittersweet day when I was able to leave the hospital without our children. The boys have a long road ahead of them - at least three months in the NICU - but we are hopeful that they will continue to have more good days than bad. Every minute is a victory. Thank you for the care package. Thank you for the lovely poem. Thank you for starting this foundation.
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Amy Boyle
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Hi! I just wanted to let you know that I think what you are doing is FANTASTIC! I wish I would have known about you a year ago when my daughter was in the NICU. My little miracle was born at 28 weeks weighing 1 lb 5 oz. She spent 89 days in the NICU, and she fought for each of those days! I think the care packages are amazing! I would have loved one when she was in the hospital. I am going to wear your bracelet with pride, and I have already contacted the NICU at my hospital to pass your information along to other parents. I would love to help in whatever way I can!
Thank you so much for what you do!!!
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When my Daughter was in the NICU we received a package from the Grahams Foundation. It arrived on the most perfect day. It was my birthday and the day my daughter had her first try at a bottle. I think what you are doing is a wonderful thing!
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I received a care package almost a year ago today. My mom requested it for me & never told me until I received it. It was the best gift ever. It really lifted my spirit & made me feel so special! The nurses were all amazed as well because they had never had anyone get a package.
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| Melissa Morton |
Thank you for your efforts. I have been a NICU nurse since 1992, and have long known we need more support for our micropreemies parents. I just became aware of your program yesterday when our charge nurse showed me the care packages you sent us. I love it.
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| Danielle Bullock |
Hi there.. I recently received a package from you guys with a charm inside and my son's name engraved on it. I just wanted to say how much my husband and I appreciated it! Our little angel Israel passed in September after 2 months of fighting.. He was born at 24 weeks.. Soon after he was born I had also received the wonderful care package from you guys!! It was amazing! Thank you so so so so much! I'm really interested in helping out! Thanks again! God bless your little Graham for making all this possible!!!!
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| Erika Borcherding |
Thank you so very much for the Wonderful Care Package!! I just opened it tonight:) Your story is really moving and the poem and words that were in the Care Package were as if those were the words I have been feeling and trying to express.... Thank you again!!!
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| Ana Yllescas |
As I was crying in front of my baby at the NICU, I received your Care Package. It made me smile and it made me feel like there were others that went through the same situation I am at this time. God bless all of you!
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| Sheena Stringer |
I really would like to thank you for the care package. It was a great gift that combines comfort, knowledge and support that helps parents maintain hope and resilience. By the way, I wear my Graham's Foundation bracelet everyday. It reminds me that there are people out there who care.
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| Cynthia Ayala |
We want to thank you for the nice package that you sent to the NICU on our behalf. Your care package was extremely thoughtful and the items inside the package were useful and helpful.
Thanks for the advice and for sharing your story with new parents of preemies like us. Having a preemie is a journey but it is a beautiful and rewarding life experience. Now as we prepare for discharge we are passing on to new parents our experiences, our frustrations, our joys and achievements and our sorrows and what a great feeling is to give support to someone that is going through the same. We will tell new parents of preemies about Graham's Foundation because it helped us and we know it will help them as well. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
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| Tracey Trousdell |
Your care package was a much welcome distraction on a day that my boys weren't doing so well. I had been dreading going to the hospital that day until the nurse called and said "You've got mail" and I knew exactly what it was so I rushed up there. All the nurses gathered around and were as thrilled by the result as we were. Also, I have been a big believer of signs and miracles throughout this ordeal, and I have to tell you, Your care package arrived on the day my boys turned 45 days old. I know we don't know you, but I honestly believe it was a sign from your son, Graham. I loved everything in the care package! The tiny shirts (I have twins) made me cry (in a good way!)
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| Katrina, Caleb and Bryce Moline |
Our son Bryce was a meager 1 1/2 pounds when born at only 24 weeks gestation. He spent five long months in the NICU and is home with us at last. It is only through the strength we garnered from friends, family and generous strangers like those at the Graham's Foundation that we were able to not only survive, but thrive, during this long ordeal. Sometimes the smallest of gifts, a simple prayer, small care package or word of encouragement, are those that mean the most.
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| Daniel Peatrowsky |
Thank you for the care package that you sent out to us. We lost our son 3 days before the care package arrived. As a parent that has gone through this I understand why you set up the Graham's Foundation. I just do not understand how something so beautiful can be taken away from a parent. I don't really think my wife and I will ever be the same again. Burial of my son was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I don't think any parent should have to go through what we did. Thank you for supporting parents of preemies.
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| Jennifer Jerry |
The blanket was great since at the time we had nothing for our baby girl to "dress up" her incubator or to personalize for her vs. the hospital linens. The gift cards were also very helpful, hospital cafeteria got very expensive so those were nice to be able to go get a cup of hot coffee or some lunch while she napped.
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| Jennie Pollak |
The washcloths were a wonderful touch! They are so soft and nice to have a personal touch at the hospital.
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| Melody Campbell |
The package arrived at our baby's bedside and we were so happy to receive it! It was exciting! Everything was perfect!
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| Carol Kalama |
The information sent with the package was helpful and the parents are very thankful for everything in the care package.
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| Christi Arnold |
Thank so very much for the care package. We were so grateful to know that not only are there people out there supporting us in our situation, but that they know what we're going through and just how hard it is. While we've had great support from family and friends, they never did seem to grasp the true hardship of watching your tiny baby struggle to live. Your baby achieves all these wonderful goals, but he'll have setbacks too. Just when you think things are looking up, a breathing or feeding issue becomes severe. It was extremely comforting to know that we weren't the only family going through this, and that our NICU wasn't the only NICU going through this. Support is priceless, and that's exactly what you provided.
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| Tracey |
Your care package gave us a ray of happiness on an otherwise very dreary day. Our twin boys were both in the midst of a big setback when we received the package and it helped to remind us that we were not alone and we were going to get through this. We are still on our NICU journey, about to reach day 100, but every day that passes, our babies get stronger. For every day that seems impossible now, think of all the good days you will have in the future with your tiny miracle!
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| Melissa |
I just wanted to say thank you so much for your care package. It couldn't have come at a better time. The day it came was just a breaking point for my sanity level, and I came in to the NICU crying, while your package made me cry more it was different kind of tears. It felt great to know that people cared about me and my baby, and understood what we were going through. For just a moment it was nice to sit and escape for a minute.
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| Cassandra Rios |
The package was such a heartfelt gesture. It was so much more than I expected. My husband is addicted to the Sudoku book that was enclosed. I love the pamphlets, especially the "How-to care for your premature baby". Continue your work because it is very much appreciated.
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| Kawika Holbrook |
We certainly didn't expect our daughter to arrive two-and-a-half months early, but the love and support from friends and family has helped us cope with the challenges. It was a pleasant surprise, however, to find a care package from your organization waiting for us at our daughter's isolette. Your timing was perfect. One day my wife was cold and hungry. Waiting in the box was a blanket and granola bars. I got thirsty and didn't want to leave my daughter. A juice box quenched the thirst. I can't wait for our daughter to come home and complete the coloring book, or take photos with the disposable camera. Thanks for putting a smile on our faces and warming our hearts. Feel free to share this message with anyone you'd like. We'll certainly share your mission with others.
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| Jennifer Jerry |
Thank you so much for the care package. It was absolutely wonderful! The entire NICU was so impressed and the staff has been spreading the word about your wonderful foundation!
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| Jenna R. |
Thank you SOOOOOOOO much for the package sent to the NICU on friday. It really made my day. All the items were so helpful, and thoughtful. I was able to share parts of the package with other parents there as well. It really meant a lot to me, you have no idea, and I appreciate it so much. Your foundation really does make a world of difference. You guys are truly an inspiration.
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