Hurricane Katrina Prayers and Action

These days I'm finding it hard to say "thank you" without saying "could you do one more more thing?" So consider yourself warned!

First, go right to our home page -- right now! -- and see some of the things March of Dimes is doing. http://www.marchofdimes.com/

You on share know we've been busy helping moms and babies in the affected areas -- but we REALLY need the rest of the world to know too. We are starting a $5 million campaign just to help these "hurricane families" right now and over the next year and even longer -- as long as they are in "temporary" shelter and homes and as long as they need us!

So, tell your friends and family and coworkers that if they want to give to help NICU babies and families, to help pregnant women get care, to help new moms and dads who -- thank God -- have healthy babies in the midst of this mess...they can go right to our home page and give the March of Dimes Hurricane Assistance Fund.

I you all get some major credit for this whole thing...becasue you are the ones who said "what can we do" "how can March of Dimes help" THAT's what got the wheels rolling to have a way to give -- either to this new national fund where the money will go to the area of greatest need at a given time -- or directly to the chapter of your choice.

And now a word about the baskets...

The need for special baskets for NICU families in Baton Rouge is going to continue for a while. Unfortunately we know that even more premature babies will be born because of this disaster. So if you want to prepare baskets for NICU Families, you can keep doing that...honestly, if we start having more baskets at that chapter than we can distribute I'll let you know. But for now, keep them coming.

I want to reiterate a suggestion I made earlier: the NICU family baskets are so special coming FROM and family who understands the NICU -- so I'm still thinking its better to keep those baskets being made by you and your close friends (whom you guide) and your local preemie support groups and so on.

But, of course, word's out about the baskets and many babies are being born healthy and being discharged from the hospital to shelters with their families who have nothing.

So, in a bit of a careful way, I'd like to "roll out" your baskets in this bigger way -- baskets useful for all families, that could be put together by anyone with a list?

These baskets would go to a number of sites (Mississippi, Texas, and other places where large numbers of people have been evacuated) and the NICU baskets would be concentrated on Baton Rouge for now.

I have few reservations about it getting "too big" -- we are not a relief agency and we don't have much means to open and sort and check items. And once we publicize it to the "public" -- that is, beyond your friends and family and coworkers, then it gets pretty hard to be sure we don't get inundated with items that are not appropriate or thoughtful.

Can you help me with this? Give me your thoughts? And if you think we should try to get the word out more about the baskets, would someone like to put together a list of items to include?

Should we be working harder to promote giving at the website so we can buy supplies to give to families rather than involving the "public" in baskets?

And, Dianne, I think the diaper bag is an EXCELLENT idea. It's very thoughtful and I realize we can't do it for too many baskets, as it far exceeds the $13 version (incredible!). Any other ideas like that?

And last question, for the "administrators" among you -- is there any EASY way for people to share with me or as a post or something when they've sent a basket and where they sent it? I know this is crazy, but it would help our organization to know. After a couple of weeks, I can ask the chapters to keep track on the receiving end, but for right now, that is very hard for them. Any ideas for this would be very welcome. Nancy?

In other news...Liza's in New Orleans -- she spent last evening in the NICU contacting families (and there are many) whose baby is in the NICU in Baton Rouge, but the family was evacuated to another city. It just breaks your heart. Watch for her Blogs which she's going to start tonight.

I'm going to say good night -- and visit my family for a little while.

Judi,

I would like to offer a suggestion. A while back I began a NICU welcome/grief basket project. (which now also includes bed rest) currently, I have been given a grant to use locally on this project. However, I have also distributed these baskets to Louisiana just a month ago.

This project has 2 components....educational and family support. Brochures and toiletries etc. are included in each box....geared specifically toward the category of box it is....

Because I wrote a grant proposal for these baskets...I have an entire budget figured out...including the cost per type of basket.

Other SHARE members have started doing these kinds of baskets too. In fact, SHARE members helped me decided what to put in these baskets.

It is my hope, that one day.....we will make this a national project. Right now...we are doing this one city at a time. Creating pilot projects...etc.

That being said....these baskets really can now temporarily fall under relief. So, under this sites get involved heading...you can find a list of items included in the past....AND if you like...I can send you a copy of the budget I worked on....

Maybe this will help....maybe not...just let me know.

Melissa

Judy - Thanks for reminding us that NICUs will be affected by Katrina for quite some time. Certainly, the incredible stress, the lack of sanitary conditions, and eating little to nothing will take its toll on some pregnant women and their babies. Also, I live in upstate NY.... seemingly a long way from hurricane country but we do sometimes experience the lingering remnants of Florida hurricanes in the form of strong winds, heavy rain. Last year when Florida was hit by 4 hurricanes, there was an increase in premature births here and some health care providers believe it was due to the radical shift in barometric pressure. A local news station covered this phenomenon. So... I guess my point is that we need to keep sending those packages for the current and future NICU babies affected by Katrina!

Lori

Great thoughts there. Really good things to think about.

I didn't take pictures (surprising for me, I take photos of EVERYTHING!)... but in my blog is a list of everything I included. The most expensive thing in the basket is the camera and it is only $3.77 (Fujifilm and Target). However, I think it is one of the most important things in there - though I am a scrapbook fanatic and treasure every photo I have.

I really wish I could have included a journal and pen. I did put in a stationary set, but the journals are expensive in masse. I know how theraputic writing can be.

My hope was to keep the baskets under $15/each so I could afford to send a few. Another option is to send fewer baskets but include more in them. It was a heartwrenching decision... I ultimately went for quantity over quality, hoping to provide at least a little something for more people. If this starts to get "big" I would start asking for more inclusive baskets and expect fewer from each household. (ie: please send 2 $20 baskets rather than 3 $13 baskets)

Thoughts on that, Judi?

Melissa has a great list of things she includes in her baskets and I referred to it when making my own. I also included a letter of support and condolences as well as directions on how to find SHARE when they eventually get internet access. I pray they can find a whole crowd of cheerleaders here at SHARE.

Judi, more can be done. We can get the word out. I understand there isn't the staff to handle this. Volunteers are falling over themselves wanting to help. If the word gets out that we need manpower in MS or TX to distribute baskets, people will come. I understand it is harder to get people to help in LA. If they get to Baton Rouge to volunteer are there hotels available? Will they be able to get groceries and such? If so, people will come.

I hope we can reach a lot of families. I wish we could reach them all... until then, one basket at a time... I'll keep sending a couple each month until you tell us to stop and I'll keep rallying my forces.

-D

Hey you beautiful people, I think it is time to open a topic JUST ABOUT the baskets. Or maybe two

1. To talk about what needs to be in the baskets, ideas, creative approaches, expanding to non nicu families ect.

2. To track - post only in this one if you have made and sent a basket so we can track.

I hope I'm making sense. It's late! Grin. I'm going to take the risk and go open them. Then you brilliant ones will get it rocking and rolling!

Much fun and very rewarding what a wondeful project.....We have shopped and have chosen a nylon bag (it looks like a cross between a diaper bag and a tote bag)..We chose black thinking it would be less likely to show dirt and wear from being carried around as bags are..

We did 1/2 of the bags tonight for preemie boys and parents and the other 1/2 for preemie girls and their parents...

Each bag is filled with the following:

1 Full size Bottle Shampoo
1 Full Size Bottle Conditioner
1 Full Size Womens Deoderant
1 Full Size Mens Deoderant
1 Full Size Shaving Gel
2 Mens Disposable Razors
2 Womens Disposable Razors
1 Full Size Bar Bath Soap
Pony Tail Holders
1 Hair Brush
1 Comb
2 Toothbrushes (1 Pink/1Blue)
1 Full Size Toothpaste
1 Full Size Package Femine Pads
Hand Sanitizer
1 Journal
1 Ink Pen
1 Disposable Camera
1 Sm Pk Gum
1 Sm Pk Candy
1 New Preemie Outfit with socks and hat...Pink for girls bags and blue for boys bags...
1 New Baby Wash Cloth
1 Blanket
1 New Small Stuffed Teddy bear with angel wings
Along with a small homemade book we created the pages on our computer folded them in book form, hole punched and bound with satin ribbon...each is just a few short pages..

Page 1: Congrats on the birth of their baby and where the bag is being sent from
Page 2: Inspirational Messages
Page 3: A little bit about Jacob to let them know we have traveled the NICU road...
Page 3: Info on MOD and the web address to share
Page 4: A Poem
Page 5: Is just a lined page and has Name/Address/Phone repeated with blanks lines down the page so they will have an extra space if needed to keep important phone numbers they aquire along their journey...

For those at the MOD to be able to distinguish Boys Bags from Girls Bags upon receipt...We have tied Pink Curling Ribbon on the Girl's bags and Blue on the Boys on the strap.....

The total cost of each including the cost of the bag was $25.48..We put together 10 tonight and they are ready to mail.. They will be mailed UPS to the Baton Rouge LA address..We will be shipping 8 to 10 more over the next couple days or by the first of next week at latest....If the next batch should go to another location besides Baton Rouge please let me know...

Nancy, Judi, or Staff if there is a problem with anything listed here please let me know..So we can make changes for the next ones...And Nancy you ask about pictures...Here is a couple of the ones that are ready to send..The first one shows the contents that is in each bag *This picture is of a girls bag.*..and the other picture is what the bag itself looks like over Tabatha's shoulder..To give you a better idea of the bag we selected..I hope this is what you had in mind....

God Bless
Melody

Just wanted to let you know that I've emailed a bunch of people and will be gathering stuff to send, hopefully by the middle of next week. I wanted to give everyone enough time to get things together. I know my message has been forwared onto at least one church group and possibly another! Can't wait to get these in the mail!

Erin
mom to Aidan James, 12/29/04, 30 weeker due to Pre-E
 

Melody! Holy Toledo!!! What an incredible carepackage!! You put such thought into these and it will be apparent to the PoPs who get them. I'm tempted to say that my little packages seem so measly but .... I am a strong believer that every little thing helps. But YOUR care package.... oh my!! Nice work!!

Lori

I agree with Lori...oh my!! I haven't sent my off yet, because I still have to get one more thing for it, but mine is pale in comparison to yours. But like Lori said, every little thing helps!!

Everyone who sends anything to these families is helping those who have nothing. The way I look at it, they lost everything they own, we are sending care packages to give them the things they need right away & a little sense that others care & we at Share are praying for them & helping any way we can. I love this site, the people here never cease to amaze me!!

Hugs to all!!

Sharlene

You are both correct everything is helping someone that has nothing...... Everything will be welcome and appreciated by the Mom's and Dad's that receive a package regardless of the content..

Lori. I am sure there will NOT be one of your packages received by a Mommie that will appear measly to them.. Be proud of what you are doing ...I know I am proud to see so many here anxiously getting involved...

In reading through these posts these bags/baskets go far greater than just filling their necessary personal hygiene needs... The message they are receiving far outweighs what is in them... The Message that there are many many here with them in spirit... They are not traveling this Journey alone .. I believe these bags/baskets will be received as a message of Love, Compassion and HOPE!!!...

Everyone here should be very proud of themselves for all they are doing... Each has shown tremendous love and support ...And too I know that we would have welcomed anything from someone that has been there (The NICU JOURNEY) and accepted it with a warm heart to be thought of by someone that could relate to the road we were traveling.....

Keep up the good work ladies and know that WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE 1 BAG OR BASKET AT A TIME...

Hugs to each of you
God Bless
Melody

Hey everyone. If you want a little bit of a lift, visit this link below and see the wonderful picture. Just a little bit of proof that things ARE looking up for the parents of preemies down south.

http://people.aol.com/people/galleries/0,19884,1102807_8,00.html

Melanie

Thanks Melanie, they are beautiful!! Thanks for that uplifting photo, that mom and babies are finally reunited. How heartwrenching that had to be for her to not know where they were.

I heard on the news last night that one of the family's in LA evacuated when told so because mom was 9 months pregnant, and they headed here to Hampton Roads, Virginia, because her parents are here. Well, we have a new hurricane baby here in Hampton Roads as of yesterday, her name is Chelsea Page & they showed her last night on the news & she is beautiful. Dad is going down this or next week to see the damage to the house, they were told it hadn't been completely destroyed, so we'll see.

Ya for moms who listen to evacuation warnings & head north to safety to have a baby here with us!! Yep, she'll be spoiled by this community, no doubt!!

Just a little uplift to all of your heroic efforts!!

hugs
Sharlene

What beautiful bundles of joy! Look how huge those outfits look on the girls! tee hee. What a relief it must have been to be reunited. I just can't imagine being post-pardum, having twins, having to leave them to evacuate, then not knowing their day-by-day. What faith that takes! God bless them. That picture just oozes relief, happiness and 'the way it oughta be'!

Hi, everyone: This is Pam with the March of Dimes. Words are inadequate to say how generous and wonderful you all are. You guys see a need, figure out what it takes, and "Just Do It." All of us here at the March of Dimes are so very grateful, as I am sure all the families are who are benefiting from your generosity.

While you guys have been packing boxes, I've been working with our communications and medical staff to provide health information in print and on the Web. If you want to take a look, please go to this Web screen: http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_16943.asp. If you have any suggestions about how we can improve this page, please let me know.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

CNN just reported that the last baby in Baton Rouge was reunited with their family!

I can't tell you how much it means to me to see all the awesome help flowing to my neighbors. This area is going to have a long and hard recovery; you have eased the road of these parents with items of comfort and words of support. Right now items of comfort and words of support are getting everyone in this area through. The communities are banding together (which they don't always show on the news), but we are also relying on the generosity of others. You ladies are truly wonderful and caring. May God Bless You for Your Extreme Kindness in helping these parents during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Marcie

Every time I log onto SHARE, my cup overflows with emotion. MOD/SHARE's response has been tremendous. Words can hardly express how secure and joyous I feel living in a world inhabited by people like Melody, Lori, Kamis' Mommy, Marci, Pam....and all of the wonderful people who responded with open hearts and gift bearing hands.

Astounded. Humbled. Uplifted. This is how I feel when I read your posts, and know that it is and will continue to be people like you who will fullfill the needs of humanity during crisis.

Judi, Liza, Capi, and the other big hearted folks in Baton Rouge....thanks so much for playing in a crowded shelter with giggling children...and for understanding how powerful a teddy bear in a business suite can be to a small voice in the crowd.

Hugs!

Melissa

Just wanted to say what wonderful HOPE we can bring to these families. One basket brings one family to life again. No gift is too small or too large.

I've e-mailed some of my closest friends with the list of items so well thought of here on SHARE and asked them to send one basket. I also directed them to the SHARE site as well. I've asked them to identify it with a label that says something that identifies them to a SHARE parent.....like my name or Benjamin's so MOD knows where it is coming from as well and to follow up with me. It's a small start to a great outcome! And I will be greatful for whatever they can do........prayers as well!

Thanks for the wonderful ideas for these packages and the big hearts that go into them!

Hugs to all,
Brenda & Benjamin

I got some really nice fleece receiving blanets from Walmart and they are only $1 each! I bought a bunch last year for Aidan and they were really nice to have. Anyway, I know we should only send new stuff, but I was thinking - should I wash the blankets in Dreft and then send them? I just don't know if they will have access to washing machines and I always washed Aidan's stuff first..... but then they might think they were used....

Your thoughts on this???

Erin

Erin - I think that if you wash them you could attach a note letting the recipient know that the blanket is brand new and washed in Dreft. That would be appreciated, I'm sure. I'll have to check out WalMart... these sound like great blankets for care packages.

Lori

My heart is so full of thanks for all you, it's hard to express it. Besides that, you express appreciation to each other so beautifully...what a group you are and how lucky I am to have a job that has introduced me to you and the depth of your kindness and generosity.

Just a few responses to your comments, ideas and questions!!

1) LogansMom, who is concerned that we might not have enough volunteers to distribute baskets. I know I gave you this idea, so I have to backtrack and correct...our chapter in Baton Rouge and chapters in other states with evacuees are well set to distribute the baskets you are sending for NICU families and baskets for families with healthy newborns. DO NOT WORRY, they are not piling up anywhere -- they are getting right out to the families!

What we cannot do is receive assorted boxes of clothing and supplies for families. Its not so much for lack of volunteers, as it is because we are not a relief agency...we are not set up for this type of work, we don't own trucks and warehouses! So we have to be careful to do what the March of Dimes does best -- and leave the more general relief work to the relief agencies. Does that make sense?

One thing we are doing that is unusual for us, but needed in this situation is finding out about specific needs of sheltered families and hospitals and purchasing items to meet those needs very directly. For example, our Louisiana chapter just bought and delivered 6 portable cribs to a well-baby nursery in a hospital in Shreveport. While its not the NICU, the hospital didn't have enough beds for the babies. I have to honestly say that it is hard to do this type of thing with donated goods because we find the need in the morning and need to meet the need in the afternoon.

If you want to do more than the baskets (which is a major support as it is), I really suggest you donate used items or assorted boxes to the Red Cross or to Salvation Army.

OR go to the March of Dimes website and make a donation to the new Hurricane Assistance Fund. (or the donate now button on the front page of Share) In the next few weeks, our chapters will need the money to purchase items that are needed by evacuee families.

2) "abears" noted that the last baby in the Baton Rouge NICU was reunited with family, according to story in CNN. I don't know the exact facts, but I do know that although all families may be "reunited" in terms of moms and dads knowing where their babies are, there are still families who are separated from their babies. Liza was calling families late last week to talk to them about their babies and moms and dads were in Ohio, Arizona, Texas and other places far removed physically from their babies. Please continue to hold these moms, dads and babies in your hearts as our NICU Support staff there works to keep communications open. I'll ask Liza to get us up to date in her blog...

3) Pam Harper at the March of Dimes gave you a great link to our website information for pregnant women and new moms. I want to take that a step further. If you have the resources, would you please print that web page of information and include it in your NICU family baskets or baskets fro families of healthy babies. Wouldn't it be great if you can help us deliver the health information too?? (In many cases, the chapter will put health information with your basket when they deliver it, but sometimes this might not be possible, or the materials might get separated and so on; if it's in your basket, it's just one more way to be sure...).

Melissa, yes the grant you have for making baskets for families is a real fit with this!! And this situation makes it clear that we could be doing baskets nationwide for all our NICU Family Support projects, year-round. After this emergency effort settles down just a little bit, let's have a big talk and figure out how to make this work. I know you want to roll this out in a bigger way!

Everyone, be sure to check out Liza's blog to keep up to date on what's happening in Louisiana.

Also if your state is doing anything special for evacuees, you'll find out by going to the March of Dimes home page www.marchofdimes.com -- you'll see a link to what local chapters are doing. This will be updated beginning next week.

Thanks everyone for everything!!

I should have included this link in my last post. If you want to put the health information into the NICU family baskets or well-baby baskets, you can print it from this web page.

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_16943.asp

Judi,

I did not know if you or someone else were or were not sorting through each bag/basket/box that is sent to see if MOD info is included in them or not?...Even though I did not include this page in my packages that have already been sent. I did included information on *Share* their Web address and what this site is about, as well as directing them to MOD website for info..

We have 25 more bags near ready to send. I have to work late tomorrow..So I am hoping to get them sent by Tuesday... I will be sure to include that page in the next ones.. I do need to know if these 25 should all be sent to Baton Rouge...Or should I devide them and send part of them to other locations as well?..We will continue putting these together and sending them as long as we can...

Thank you for all you are doing!!!!!......I am sure your days have been very tiring, but very rewarding....

God Bless
Melody

Just a quick post to say that we aren't going through the SHARE baskets -- that's really why we need your baskets to be "self-contained" -- we just don't have folks to do that -- what we are doing is adding health information, but if you put in the health piece from the web, we won't-- and if two pieces get in that basket, we think that's okay -- it's better than missing someone!

And GREAT idea to put in the SHARE info -- they might not be able to use it now, but they'll be able to use it later!

Just a note about the blankets: I washed and dried the blankets I sent to each location. For the same reasons stated above. I always wash clothes and blankets before I let my kids wear/use them.

I also included info on the SHARE site, but not the health info in the packages.

I hope to be able to get some more out after the 15th!
Darcy

Our first three care packages will go out tomorrow. We bought small insulated diaper bags and stuffed them with the following:

1 full-size bottle of shampoo/conditioner combo
1 disposable razor
1 adult-size washcloth
1 full-size deodorant
1 full-size hand sanitizer
1 full-size toothpaste
1 toothbrush
1 full-size bar bath soap
1 small memo pad
1 pen
1 disposable camera (Fuji 27 exp.)
1 baby blanket
2 baby washclothes
1 preemie outfit
baggie of hard candy, mint Lifesavers, and small pack of gum
personal note
MoD health information printed from site

They would have gone out today, but I'm holding off one more day to wash everything. I always wash all of Liam's new things, too, but wasn't sure if I should do that with these things until you all mentioned it here. Thank you!

Dianne

Joseph and I have a long weekend this week and we were wondering if perhaps any hospitals needed volunteers? We can fly anywhere for about 75 bucks each, and we would leave on Thurs. and come back Sun. We really feel like we are lacking in the help Katrina efforts, we have donated money, food, and time loading trucks. But when we heard that hospitals are asking for more volunteers, we thought this might be where we could step up for a few days. Since all of you seemed very informed in this movement we thought you might know if there are any hospitals that need help still. Please just let us know. We just need to know by tom, so we can post ourselves on one of these flights. You all are amazing women!
God Bless
Allie

My boyfriend just found out yesterday that his paramedic crew is being sent to either New Orleans or Biloxi in a week. My sister and I are rounding up as much as we can to send off with them for babies and mommies in those areas. He said he will be there for around 20 days (that's what their team committed to).... I am really sad to see him go for that long but I know it's for a good cause... Hopefully what we send will help some families in need. The company I work for is also having a big food, clothing and cash drive. We will send off everything turned in on Friday. I think it is wonderful to read about how much everyone is helping out. I think this crisis has humbled all of the United States... and really created some heros and proved the strength of the people even when the government fails. My prayers go out to all those that have lost everything including loved ones in this tragedy.

Hello SHARE members

My name is Susan Clifford and I work with Judi and Liza at the national office. I just received a request from our Houston, TX office for 50 gift baskets. Some of the baskets will be given to efamilies whose babies are in the NICU and some will be given to families with infants who are still staying in shelters. The mailing address is:

March of Dimes

Attn: Amye Wesbter

3000 Weslayan, #100

Houston, TX 77027

713-623-2020

As requested, please post to SHARE when you have sent baskets to the division so we can keep track. THANK YOU all for your generosity.

My thanks to Susan for letting everyone know about the need in Houston. The need in Texas is certainly great and our chapters are working hard their to get help the pregnant women and to families of newborns.

For both Texas and Mississippi, the baskets should primarily be for ANY family with a newborn. There are fewer evacuated babies in the NICUs in Texas and Mississippi -- that concentration is still in Baton Rouge. It would be great if your baskets could be given to any family, or if a few folks could "raise their hand" for sending NICU family baskets and then anyone else can send "any family baskets."

Mississippi is still in great need, and is delivering the "any family" baskets to families hard hit along the coast.

Thank you all so much for these incredible gifts for the families!

What would you recommend for the "any family" baskets? Should we concentrate more on personal hygiene items or on baby items? What kind of baby items are most needed right now - clothes and blankets? Are there any other items that might be helpful that none of us have listed? Should we assume there are siblings and include small items for them too, or just concentrate on parents and one baby?

Thank you!
Dianne