Erik and Sarah Tillberg

Dear Volunteers,

On December 18, 2006, my son Emery was born just shy of 26 weeks gestation weighing 597 grams.  He was very sick in the beginning and he was born exactly one week before Christmas.  The last place my husband and I wanted to be was in a hospital wondering whether or not our child would survive.

What a blessing The Preemie Project is!  Each day that week there was a gift left to us by The Preemie Project volunteers.  We had booties, hats, candy and even our very own Christmas tree as well as an ornament.  Those days were long then, and sitting in a NICU during the holidays is surreal.  I remember one day in particular though.

While sitting there watching our son (in those days there was nothing else we could do as he could not be held or touched because of his young gestation), our nurse, Mandi, found University of Iowa booties and a hat knitted by Jamie C.  We dressed our son in the clothes and she made a banner that said “Born to Be a Hawkeye”.  At a time when things were grim and serious, we all laughed quite a bit at this (our families are University of Illinois fans).  We took pictures to tease them when they visited, and for the first time since my son was born, my husband and I laughed and enjoyed the day.

He had a long hospital stay - 225 days.  We were there for Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and July 4th… each time receiving a gift from The Preemie Project.  My closet is filled with unique and beautiful soft blankets that came as gifts from the volunteers, which my son still loves and uses to this day.  The smaller ones we now have as keepsakes.

The University of Iowa is a class-act children’s hospital, and The Preemie Project volunteers contribute to this.  Thank you for your wonderful gifts and for your time.  I don’t think my husband and I will ever be able to explain how nice it was to receive your gifts.  Noe, he’s 1 year old and a very busy active baby ... and wouldn’t you know?  He’s still a Hawkeye fan!

Thank you so much,

Erik, Sarah and Emery Tillberg

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!