“Knowing that something so wonderful exists took a little of the weight of worry off of our shoulders,” said Marsha Bell. “Dana is an amazing person and has done a wonderful job with this organization"
Belmar residents Tracy and James Bean were honored with the Heather Rose Kiss award at the 2009 annual picnic. The Bean family first learned of Michael’s Feat when their son AJ was in the NICU at Jersey Shore Medical Center. AJ was born a 24-weeker by emergency c-section. Upon birth, he was not breathing and did not have a heartbeat. After 8 long minutes, the incredible doctors were able to start his heart, and subsequently intubated him. Due to the lack of oxygen for at least 8 minutes he was brain damaged. As a result, he has Athetoid Cerebral Palsy with hypotonia, what doctors believe to be severe mental retardation, and is severely hard of hearing and wears hearing aids.”
During AJ’s stay in the NICU, he was placed in a Giraffe Isolette which had been donated to the hospital by Michael’s Feat. This specialized bed helped AJ thrive and meant so much to his parents. Michael’s Feat continued to help the Beans as AJ has progressed into his second year.
Born two months premature, Alexis, Lidia, and Vincent Adamo suffered from Apnea spells and had difficulty breathing. Lidia was born with a hole in her heart and Vincent suffered from acid reflux, but Jennifer and Jay Adamo’s sleepless nights of care-taking and worry have subsided, and their triplets have grown to be healthy toddlers.
-Tracy Bean
“Not only did Michael’s Feat assist us during our most difficult time, but they provided me an opportunity to continue to heal through my graphics-design work. The members of this organization, once strangers but now absolute friends, brought solace to my husband Jeff and me. Their efforts are invaluable.”
In 2010 Michael's Feat honored The Bell family with the Heather Rose Tribute of Courage Award. Marsha and Robert Bell's daughter, Chloe, was born 17 weeks premature at just 23 weeks gestation on October 5, 2009.
“Michael’s Feat is an extraordinary foundation that provides so much blessing in the lives of those in need…including ours! We are so thankful that through your pain came hope! You have enriched the lives of many! God bless you and your family always.”
-The Adamo Family
“In 2009 Michael’s Feat purchased ankle-foot orthotics (AFO’s) because AJ just began to bear some weight on his feet, but his feet turn in and his ankles are extremely weak. Because of the constant therapies he requires 5 different types of equipment and insurance will only cover a certain amount, so Michael’s Feat stepped in to assist.”
Kristin and Jeff Belger were the recipients of the Heather Rose Tribute to Courage Award at the 2006 Annual Family Picnic as the family that overcame a child’s illness with grace, dignity and courage. The Belger’s were presented with the award four months after the passing of their son, Baby Nathaniel. He was born at 25 weeks gestation, 100 days early, weighing only 1 lb 11.3 ounces and passed away after a 7 ½ month battle. Kristin was honored at the Michael’s Feat Annual Gala on March 20, 2009 for all of her ongoing contributions to Michael's Feat.
