Stephen and Jennifer Deatrick

Dear friends- I just wanted to thank you for your dedication and the beautiful work that you do.  On December 5, 2007, our daughter, Truly Hope, was born at 27 weeks gestation and weighed only 2 lbs. 7 oz.  From the beginning, she was always dressed in a little hat and booties that were just beautiful and fit her perfectly.  She only lived for 8 days.  After she died, the nurses had dressed her in a beautiful white sweater gown with matching hat.  She was buried in that outfit.  We are so grateful for your work.  We only had a blanket to lay her in and so it was wonderful to have that outfit.  I have kept the booties she wore as a little reminder of her short life.  We are so thankful for each of you and the blessing that your projects give to people who are hurting and in need!  You have been a blessing to us!  May God bless you in return!

Jill Wellborn (Waterloo, IA):

Hi - On Dec. 24, 2005 I had identical twin boys who weren’t due until March 24, 2006. They were 2 lbs. 7 oz. and 1 lb. 7 oz. I would like to send a heart felt thanks to all of you who contribute to the Preemie Project. I can’t explain how comforting it is to see my little boys in their tiny knitted hats and booties instead of just a diaper and bunch of tubes. They will be in the NICU at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for several months but they are doing well. I finally got to hold my littlest one after 3 weeks and I’ll never forget what he was wearing (thanks to Dawn Kress from the Preemie Project). Her note inside the little bag said she is from Cedar Falls. We are from Waterloo which is right next door. Quilting is a hobby of mine so I know how much time and effort goes in to homemade projects. I hope that all of you who contribute to the Preemie Project know what an impact you have on the lives of all the little ones in the NICU. God Bless You All!

Chris & Melissa Anderson (Muscatine, IA):

Volunteers,

My husband and I wanted to express our gratitude to you all and say thank you, even though thank you is not enough. A month ago our son Connor was born at 28 weeks at the University of Iowa Hospital and he had severe genetic defects and unfortunately did not survive. We were not prepared for my labor to start that early so of course we did not have an outfit or anything for him. Your items were a godsend. We were so grateful for everything your program gave us and Connor. We will treasure those items forever. We wish we could say more than thank you, but thank you.

Teresa A. Anderson:

Just yesterday, April 6th, my family was the recipient of your generousity. My son and his wife delivered their first born, a son, at only 29 weeks. As family we only had a couple of hour with Connor Michael before his passing. I know my son and his wife were greatly appreciative to see the beautiful hand crocheted outfit and blanket when they were given the chance later that morning for their final good-byes. As a crocheter, this project has deeply touched my heart and if you would be willing to take on another person to crochet I would love to be able to help another family through their heartache.

Thank you very, very much for your time, talent and generous hearts!

Brandon & Candi Buffington:

Thank you so much for the blanket and the little cap for our daughter! Little surprises like these are so nice! It puts a smile on our face when get these little happies! Sometimes it’s tough to smile when we are so busy and worried about our little angels. Her twin brother is still in bay 1, so we have double the worries… When we get these surprises it’s so nice to know that someone cares and is thinking about them!

Thanks again and we really appreciate what your group does! A special thanks to Kate Paulline from Davenport for making the blanket and hat for our daughter Lindsay! God bless!