Orlando-based non-profit organization The Gift of Life continues to serve local families whose lives are affected by the birth of a premature child. This year, the organization is calling for all who can to join them in celebrating World Prematurity Day, which is on November 17, 2015. Participants can join in on increasing awareness for this notable cause by wearing purple, the color of prematurity.
Just as the previous year, the City of Orlando will take part in Prematurity Day by lighting up City Hall’s water fountain and the tower of light sculpture in purple at around 5:45 pm until dawn of the next day. Area officials, including the Orange County Mayor and the Mayor of Windermere have continued to support the Gift of Life and the organization’s cause by declaring official days of recognition, encouraging citizens to realize what an impact prematurity has on the lives of both the infants and their families.
Rosie Moore, founder of The Gift of Life, was inspired to start the organization after her son Kaleb was born weighing only 1lb. 10 oz. At that time, several medical experts were of the opinion that Kaleb would not make it, but today he is a vibrant young boy whose life has been proclaimed a miracle story. Around Christmas, Kaleb can be found handing out gifts to parents and babies in the same NICU where he was once a patient; just one of the many ways The Gift of Life reaches out to support preemies and their families – Kaleb is a proud participant. Rosie captured the story of the struggles and triumphs of her son’s earliest days, authoring a book called A Story of Faith. Having experienced first-hand what parents of premature newborns have to face, she knows all too well what it means to them to know that someone does care about what they go through.
The Gift of Life is actively seeking volunteers to fill several positions in their organization. Corporate sponsors and individual philanthropists are always welcome to donate, hold events, and share ideas about how this organization can do more to reach and serve families in need. Premature birth is such a common instance that just about everybody knows someone whose life was in some way affected by it. This Tuesday, taking just the simple step of wearing purple with the motive of helping to raise awareness will do a lot of good. Those interested in learning more or teaming up with The Gift of Life can click here.
Mayor Buddy Dyer is a supporter of The Gift of Life. He wants to raise awareness in our community about premature births and how that affects our community. On September 12, 2015 he declared that this day would be The Gift of Life Day.
Mayor Buddy Dyer had a special message for everyone on September 12 2015.
Sometimes people get involved with charities because they have gone through the experience, know someone who did or they are genuinely touched by what the charity stands for.
On September 12, 2015, The Gift of Life had its annual charity gala. Founder and President Rosie Moore, wanted to honor someone who made a difference. As she stood on stage, she called a few people up by name.
Olivia/ born at 23 weeks 1lb 7 oz./ Doctors told her parents three times to plan her funeral because there was nothing more they could do. One doctor stood up and said, let’s give her a chance and try something new. Here she is almost 24 years old!
Erin/Born at 24 weeks 1lb 6oz, doctors did not assure her living as she was too tiny. Here she is almost 24 years of age.
Ashtyn/Born at 35 weeks 5lbs 6oz, here she is 17 yrs. Old.
Alyssa/ Born at 28 weeks 4lbs 3 oz., here she is at 14 years old
Bryanna/Born at 28 weeks 2lbs 6oz, here she is at 14 yrs. Old
Alyssa and Bryanna are twins.
Destiny/ Born at 26 weeks 1lb 13 oz., here she is at 8 yrs. Old
Kaleb/Born 27 weeks 1lb 10 oz., doctors did not guarantee his life or Rosie’s life, it was either her life or his that would be sacrificed, but God had other plans. He placed Dr. Walker in their path to save Rosie and Dr. Bernstein to save Kaleb. Here he is at 5 years of age.
Many may ask why we share these pictures and stories. Rosie Moore wants to be sure that you see what supporting The Gift of Life does for premature babies, but also what it does for their parents.
All the parents who had premature babies stood up in support of The Gift of Life. Prematurity affects all ages, all races, all socioeconomic status, all religions. But we can make a difference.
On September 12, 2015 The Gift of Life honored someone who was not premature, but knew in her heart that she wanted to help babies that were born premature. She has a great set of parents that instilled in her values of helping others. This little girl gave up her free time when she was not in school to go to events and help The Gift of Life.
The Gift of Life recognized this little girl with this Gift of Life Bear….
Jazlyn Rodriguez!!!!!!
Jazlyn is the little girl that makes and sells the cute little hair bows. If you have not already purchased or ordered one please contact The Gift of Life to order yours. If you want to sponsor her so she can continue to buy the materials to make the bows that would be great!
