This blog is an uncensored look into my soul. I am writing this as part of my healing process, but am leaving it public so others can follow me through my journey.

If you'd like to start from the beginning, click on the beautiful, adorable picture of Hailey on the right hand column.

You can also email me at: haileyshalo@yahoo.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Our First Donation!!!!

I am so excited to announce that we have officially made our first donation from the Hailey Mayz Foundation!!!  First, before I tell you about it, I want to thank each and every one of you who generously donated your hard earned money to show your love and support of Hailey and our family.  We can assure you that every single penny will go to those who have children that desperately need it.


Now for the story...


A couple days ago Sean's mother emailed us asking if we had any extra blankets we could send to her for a family she knows that just had twins.  Apparently, the twins (boys) were born prematurely at 1 pound each.  They both survived and just came home from the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).  Unfortunately, they still have some medical needs and their parents are going through much financial hardship.  They needed help so much that they were willing to ask for donations of used blankets and clothing just to help keep the babies warm.  (They live in Pennsylvania.)



As soon as I read the email I could personally feel the burden and stress of these two parents.  Hailey was in the NICU for 9 1/2 weeks after being born and she was soooo tiny.  (She was the biggest one in there too, at 4lb. 3oz.!)  After all we've been through with Hailey, I've come to realize that often times it's much harder on the parents than the actual child.  Here these new parents are having to worry about their tiny, precious boys and all the medical needs they came home with; and as if that isn't enough, they are also carrying the burden of financially being able to provide for the "basics," to keep them safe and warm.


Well, Hailey spoke to me (not literally), but I just felt it.  So we decided to call them last night and donate $1000.00 to help them out with the medical expenses and necessities for their babies.  When we called to tell them the news, they weren't home at the time, but we spoke to the babies' grandmother.  She just started to sob and couldn't thank us enough.  She was telling us about how they need separate cribs for the babies due to the individual needs of each child, but couldn't afford an extra one.  


I seriously cannot even put into words how AWESOME it felt to be able to help lift the burden of such special people.  I told Sean that I wish we had millions to just hand out to the world because it felt so good!!!


The parents are going to send us a little history on the boys and some pictures when they get a few minutes of free time, which we will be posting on The Hailey Mayz Foundation website.  (The link is on the right hand side of this blog.)  I know that Hailey was smiling her little heart out when we gave out that gift in her name.  She would have been thrilled to help those two precious angels!  (She LOVED to help out!)


So again, I want to thank all of you who helped to make this donation possible and bring peace to a needy family!!!  We have also set up a link on the right hand side of our blog that anyone can donate to if ever feeling inclined.


With Much Thanksgiving,


Wendy and Sean


P.S. No matter what life is dealing you right now, please try to think of at least one thing you're thankful for this year...and try to help someone else in need.  It doesn't have to be monetary...it could just be a phone call, note, or hug.  The difference it will make not only to the receiver, but also to you, the giver, makes it so worth it! It's seriously the BEST feeling in the world!!!!

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