Our Shining Star- Dawn

Sheriff - 08:17pm Jan 6, 2009 EST

Hats off to this month’s Shining Star….I am proud to announce Dawn (TripletMommy06) as our first Shining Star of 2009. Dawn is, not only, recognized for the amazing job she does with her own children, but for sharing her love and support with families across Staten Island and beyond. Hats off to this mom who, over the holidays, had one-hundred preemie hats donated to her local NICU in honor of her sweet angel, Kaitlyn. This project is just the tip of the iceberg for Dawn, who has touched so many lives over the past two years.

Dawn’s journey into volunteerism began after her triplets were born in 2006. “I received a preemie magazine in the mail and started reading it. It listed the [Share] website. So for a while I was an onlooker; I never blogged or posted— I just read. After the hard times of NICU life were over and my life seemed to be normal, I then started my first blog. I was invited to a lunch in Staten Island for the walk, and I found out that they were looking for a new family,” she said. Dawn submitted the necessary paper work and her family was named ambassador family. For the past two years, Dawn’s family has attended every event and has helped educate NICU families and the general public about prematurity and the March of Dimes. Working with these families has helped Dawn’s journey towards healing after losing one of their triplets, Kaitlyn. “I can’t explain it, but I feel better after telling people our story,” she said, “We have been through a lot... a loss of one, but blessed with two. We are grateful for the March of Dimes and this wonderful site. I’ve met so many wonderful moms and dads that have helped me through preemie life. I am grateful for their friendship and love,” she said.

Dawn also recognizes that her story brings other families hope. Dawn’s surviving triplets, James and Lauren, just celebrated their first healthy Christmas! The kids are doing great, and were stars themselves at a tremendous March of Dimes fashion show held in November. This show was one of the many events Dawn and her family participated in during 2008. By sharing her children’s’ journey, Dawn brings hope to many families. Not having a fellow NICU mom to talk to while her children were in the hospital, Dawn sought to be that "ray of hope" for others. Dawn’s father’s firehouse donated the money for the preemie hats given to the NICU at Christmas time. The note attached to each hat read, "This hat was donated by the Members of Eng 279 & Lad 131 Brooklyn. Their lives were touched by preemies like yours. In memory of Kaitlyn Elizabeth Stephen.” Later in the week, Dawn received an email from hospital staff letting her know how deeply moved the moms were by the thoughtful gifts. They asked for Dawn’s email and she directed them to her page on Share.

Dawn’s warm smile and honest approach are what make her a fantastic ambassador in her hometown and on the pages of Share. Dawn was recently named Staten Island Person of the week, but for us, she’s the Share Mom of the Month. Dawn’s story is one of healing, remembering, honoring and educating; for those reasons she is an integral part of Share and, without a doubt, a ray of hope to many.

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