Creating a Legacy of Giving

In 2019, we were expecting a baby girl.  Unfortunately, at 22 weeks gestation, Wilhelmina "Willie" was diagnosed with a massive brain anuerysm that had already caused pretty severe damage.  She was in heart failure.  We weren't sure she would survive long enough to even meet her. 

Miraculously, Willie continued to grow and was born by cesarean at 32 weeks on July 10, 2019.  She was immediately greeted and stabilized by NICU staff from Lurie Children's and had her first surgery the very next day. 

We spent 3 months in the NICU.  We were cared for by multiple teams.  I say "we" because Willie wasn't the only concern at Lurie Children's.  The Child LIfe Specialists helped Willie's older siblings understand our situation and their feelings about what was happening.  They found ways to make them feel heard and loved.  The chaplains, social workers, and Parentwise volunteers visited regularly for our (the parents) mental well being.  We even had mommy groups. 

Willie underwent 7 surgeries and countless procedures, but, despite the tireless efforts of her doctors, we lost her on October 16, 2019. 

My family and I find our healing through this legacy of giving. 

We now call ourselves Willie's Warriors! Each year, we celebrate Willie's birthday by raising money for Lurie Children's.  It has become a true community effort.  100% of our proceeds are directed to the NICU where Willie was cared for, so that other babies and their families can have the same incredible care we were given.

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 this year!

Here’s how your donations can make a difference:

$100 is enough help make a child’s hospital stay a more positive experience with activities, supplies and toys.

$250 can provide patients with the support they need to thrive after lengthy hospital stays.

$500 supports clinical trials to help discover new or more effective treatment options.

$1000 means we can train the next generation of specialists.

All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Lurie Children’s Foundation.