
We are choosing two NICUs and two Hematology/Oncology units from those nominated to receive a special box from us. The first NICU was chosen - and it is going to Tripler Army Medical Center's NICU in Honolulu, Hawaii! Jennifer nominated the hospital after her son Colton (who is also a Gracie's Gowns recipient) was born and cared for by the NICU staff. She was awesome enough to include a story of his stay and just how wonderful the staff was - and some sweet photos to share as well!

"Our son was in the NICU for 12 days in August 2011. Our pregnancy with my son was very rough. Not many doctors believed he would make it or he wouldn't live long after brith. The NICU was just very amazing with him. They did everything they could to help him and it was so nice to finally have someone believe in him. They felt like family to us when we were there. And they just went above and beyond for my son. The NICU staff was just amazing! My son had an MRI when he was 1 1/2 months old and they let my son back into the NICU to be observed overnight bc they knew I was very uncomfortable with him going to the PICU with a bunch of sick kids. They were very understanding and cared very much for my son! And being a Military Hospital a lot of kids are in there with just one parent and no other family members to help them out during a stressful time in life and they could use a little a cute hospital gown!"

Well, we are sending them thirty NICU smocks to be distributed to the babies they care for! We know it doesn't remotely even make a dent into the 1,100 babies they serve annually, but at least there will be thirty styling babies this year!
These will be sent out this week to Hawaii and we hope they are received with much love and bring many smiles to the families that receive on of the gowns!

Thank you as well to Kim for sewing pretty much every single one of these thirty gowns going to the NICU (after we drew the name - we learned Kim's granddaughter was born at this hospital as well, but fortunately did not need to be admitted to the NICU).
Lots of Gracie's Gowns cuteness to come!