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Thursday, May 14, 2009

I Am Not One That Normally Ask To Donate To Causes... But This Is DIFFERENT!


Some of my closest friends and my Godson's little sister, Maddalene was born at 23 weeks of gestation, 4 months premature, weighing only 1 lb 3 oz on December 21st, 2006. Our beautiful little miracle spent the first four months of her life at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) being cared for by wonderful doctors and nurses. Maddalene was an incredible fighter during the most trying times in our lives and with the wonderful care and hundreds of amazing people praying for her all over the country Maddalene pulled through against all odds.
Now, we ALL have an opportunity to give back to the NICU and the wonderful doctors and nurses. Maddalene was recently photographed for their "Angels" 2010 calendar amongst 84 other children. We would love to have Maddalene featured in this calendar since only 13 children will be selected, one for the cover and 12 for each month but it will require VOTES from all of you. Each vote is $1 and is tax deductible. The more votes the more Maddalene has a chance to be featured in the calendar. All monies raised from the voting and the sale of the calendar will ALL be denoted to the NICU to help premature baby families in need.
To vote, click on the link below, and then go to "Sessions". The session ID # is littleangel_vote and then click "go to proofs." Maddalene is #69. Even if you care not to vote, please take a moment to check out the picture. It took me the longest time to prepare myself to go meet her for the first time, and when I did... I was a new man! As a Father, I am blessed to have two very beautiful daughters. As a parent and a friend, I am humbled to know this incredible, beautiful little girl.
You will be able to pay by Visa or Mastercard and you will receive a tax deductible receipt at the end of your transaction.
Thank you all for your consideration and your support!


UPDATE:

I have received a few requests for an update on how Maddalene is doing.

Maddalene turned two this past December 21st and she is doing outstanding. The traditional milestones in Child Development will come a little later than most but that is to be expected. We are currently working aggressively in language development and working to compensate for the tips of her toes on her right foot that were lost due to poor circulation during her first few days. You really can not tell other than she does not have toe nails on her right foot (half price pedicures in her future)

Maddalene is definitely a very independent child and tough as nails. There are times when she has the usual toddler accidents and I cringe and wait for the scream and she just looks at me and smiles (and then I melt). I am reminded every day the value of life and how the small, superficial things mean nothing.

Also if you look at the screen where you place your vote it’s broken into increments of $1-$5-$25-$50-$100. The question came up that someone wanted to vote a different amount. If you click the $1 you can put in any amount.

Thank you for your continued interest.

Warmest regards,

Michael

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

with modern marvels,these days, this little girl will be fine. my daughter was born at 25 weeks and was only 2 pounds 2 ounces. that was 18 years ago she has grown to be a beautiful young lady.it is tough at first but, with todays care she will be fine

Anonymous said...

Thanks Joe! We appreciate your support.

- J. Gisriel

Anonymous said...

It's a choice not a child right Obama voters?