|
Following are testimonials from families that have received assistance from Michael's Feat.
Interested in helping to make a difference in the life of a seriously ill newborn?
Make a donation or volunteer.
|
Michael's Feat helps a family make their hospital stay more comfortable |
Our son Matthew Joseph was born on January 24, 2006. He was only 28 weeks and weighed 2 pounds 14 ounces. My wife and I had no idea just how common preemies were until we were unexpectedly thrust right into the middle.
We can not begin to say how wonderful everyone has been to us. From the nurses and doctors, to the strangers that offer support. When we arrived at the NICU this evening, we had a very nice
surprise. There was a beautiful arts and crafts heart that was made by Andrea Vetrano, a cute little valentines day bear that Matthew now has in his
isolette, and some coupons for the restaurant located in the hospital. We just cant get over the kindness and support that is provided by everyone. All three of
us wanted to just say thank you, that the little things like that make this very trying time just a little easier.
 P.S. Matthew is doing just great, we finally got to put some clothes
on him, and he is finally off his CPAP and the nasal canula. He is now up to 3 pounds 4 ounces, and gaining fast. We cant wait to bring him home!!!
Thanks again!
Jennifer and Sean O'Brien
UPDATE: MATTHEW IS DOING GREAT NOW, HE IS UP TO 12 1/2 LBS. NOW AS OF 5/20. HE
SMILES ALL THE TIME FOR US NOW TOO, AND NOW ITS NOT JUST FROM GAS!!!
HE IS
STILL ON HIS APNEA MONITOR BUT SHOULD BE COMING OFF WITHIN THE NEXT
COUPLE
OF MONTHS, HOPEFULLY BY AUGUST 1ST. HE REALLY DOES NOT HAVE ANY
"EPISODES" ANYMORE (KNOCK ON WOOD) WHICH IS A HUGH RELIEF.
WE JUST WANTED TO THANK EVERYONE AGAIN FOR THE SUPPORT.
|
|
Michael's Feat helps a family stay connected |
 Michael's Feat has supported The Belger Family of Manasquan through the 7-1/2 month journey of their MicroPremie son, Nathaniel Jefferson Belger - born at 25 weeks gestation, 1lb 11.3ozs, 12-1/2 inches long on August 18, 2005 at JSUMC.
From JSUMC to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Michael's Feat was always a "word" away through interconnected friends (a new family); providing us with phone cards to use for calls from Philly to NJ & FL - keeping family in touch.
A large donation was "hand-presented" by Dana, with her beautiful and warm smile, at Nathan J's wake in early April. We have been touched in a way that will never be forgotten. All Of Our Love and Praise - can't wait to get involved.
Love,
Kristin and Jeff Belger
|
|
Michael's Feat provides support in a time of tragedy |
I am writing you a long overdue thank you note for the donation Michael’s Feat gave to us in January. The considerable donation greatly eased the financial burden of Austin’s funeral.
As you unfortunately know, there is a lot of expense in burying one’s child. It’s nearly impossible to get through the vigil and funeral mass as it is, and I most certainly can’t imagine if we had to “cut costs” in any way. Austin suffered greatly in the six months of his life and deserved a beautiful goodbye.
Please extend our “thank you” to all who contribute financially and through service to Michael’s Feat.
During the most emotionally and financially challenging time of our lives,
their generosity helped alleviate our stress related to the debts that were
incurred during Austin’s short life.
May God continue to bless your
charity.
Sincerely,
Jim and Susan Gent
|
|
Formula donation to a family with preemie twins. |
Giovanni and Gabriel were born at Monmouth Medical Center on June 6th 2004, 3 months premature. Being only 29 weeks pregnant and 23 years old was not something I had planned in my life. When the boys were born I knew I was going to be faced with many ups and downs, but I know as a family we would survive. The reason I am sending this e-mail and short summary is to say how much the Michael's Feat Organization helped my family.
 My husband is an active duty Marine that was stationed over in Iraq for 8 months. When he arrived back home from his first deployment, I became pregnant, and he was told that he was going to have to go back to Iraq in June of 04. I was due Aug 19th and scheduled for a c-section on Aug 9th, which Mario was not suppose to be around for. Luckily, Mario was home on his 2 week before deployment leave and I went into labor. I was so scared being that the boys were only 29 weeks but I was so happy that the father of my children would be present at the time of their birth and the most important time of their life.
My boys are both on formula that is EXTREMELY expensive and medically needed. The organization donated an EXTREMELY large amount of formula for the babies which helped out
tremendously. Being a mom full time has allowed me to not work and also I had to take a year off of school. As we all know the military doesn't pay well, so this was a HUGE help.
Dana, I want to thank you soooo much for all you have done and I am going to keep in touch ...thank you again.
|
|
Michael's Feat overnight bags help a new mom |
Baby Jake was a preemie born on April 29, 2004 weighing 2 lbs 12 oz.
The items in the Michael's Feat overnight bag made a difference to this mother as she spent time in Monmouth Medical Center's
NICU.
Click here to read her letter.
|
|
Local family says thank you |
In January 2004, my son Ethan was admitted to Jersey Shore for severe jaundice. My husband and I stayed in their room for NICU parents, since we lived a distance away.
Our pediatrician thought that we needed to get Ethan to Jersey Shore as soon as possible; as a result we left the house quite unprepared.
On our second night’s stay, we received a bag from your foundation, which was a
Godsend. We cannot express our gratitude adequately and we
treasured the baby blanket we received. Ethan spent four days in the NICU and is now quite perfect, after putting his parents through hell (in our eyes anyway)
The ordeal that we went through was made a little easier thanks to a group of wonderful people that we’ve never met. Thank you – Please accept this blanket, there will be more to come, as a thank you.
In gratitude, Stephanie
|
|
Baby Julia |
Baby Julia was a preemie born on May 13th 2003, only 24 weeks old. Her parents write
"Our time spent at the NICU was a bit easier due to the efforts and donations made on behalf of
Michael. From the rockers we sit in to the preemie diapers Julia gets to use, my family would like yours to know how much we appreciate these luxuries."
Click here to read their letter.
|
|
Baby Morgan |
You may have read about a special little girl named
Morgan in the local papers.
We did, and the MGP fund got involved. Baby Morgan was born with a severe neurological impairment affecting the midline section of her brain.
In January 2001, 19 month old Morgan needed a series of operations to help improve the quality of her life. The MGP Fund stepped in with financial support.
Morgan's mom, Dana Cassidy thanked the Puharic's and the MGP fund saying, " I had read about your memorial fund only a short time before…it's a wonderful thing to be able to help others as you are working through your own grief. I guess it's what keeps us going."
On May 4 2001, Morgan had a brain stem operation and we were there to provide the family with
financial and emotional support.
Morgan will be 6 in June and is doing well. Helping Baby Morgan is exactly what Michael's fund was created for. We're proud to
help the Cassidy's and help other families in need. |
|
Providing
special formula for premature babies |
Premature babies usually stay in the NICU until they are healthy enough to go home with mom and dad. These children require special clothing, special food, and many times special equipment to take home.
Michael's Feat has already helped local preemies. Two premature infants, Jada (a twin) born at 28 weeks and Jaden born at 24 weeks were diagnosed with malabsorbtion. During their first few weeks of life, both children had corrective surgery. After many attempts with various formulas, both children could only tolerate Neocate, a special formula, designed for preemies.
Unfortunately, the family insurance would not cover the cost of this expensive formula. The NICU informed us of the situation, and we stepped in with the necessary funds to supply both babies with enough formula to last for several months.
The MGP Fund was happy to assist these two special babies. Both children were discharged on October 29 2001, a special treat for Halloween.
|
|
Army Family from Georgia |
|
A young pregnant wife of a US Army Serviceman stationed in Georgia was visiting her family for the Christmas holiday. On Dec.
29, 2000, she felt very ill, complaining of unusual pains.
She was taken to the local emergency room
and, a few days later, she was diagnosed with preclampsia (a life threatening condition for her and the baby). Doctors moved her to Monmouth Medical Hospital for an emergency C-section.
Her son was born a few days
later weighing 2 lbs 11oz. He was released from the Monmouth Medical NICU
on January 16th weighing 5 ½ lbs. The family did not have the resources to bring their child home safely.
The MGP Fund stepped in with financial support to assist her and her son get back home. The young mother used the donation to rent a car, purchase gas, food and hotel room to rest during their journey home.
|
All donations are tax deductible.
The Michael Gerard Puharic Memorial Fund, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit corporation.
|
