Bryce's Christmas Wish

“Bryce’s Christmas Wish”
Everyday a baby is born, however, sometimes, they are born a micropreemie or preemie and spend a great amount of time in a NICU. In 2018, unforeseen, that is what happened to us with our son Bryce. Bryce was born at 24 weeks weighing 1lb 5oz. It was the most unexpected, life changing roller coaster ride of an experience my husband and I have ever gone through and will never forget. Throughout the entire Nicu stay, a parent goes through so many emotions; more often than not, they are feeling helpless and want to do all they can for their child, aside from the nurses and doctors being so amazing in providing care.
While this is 100 percent normal to feel, it is very hard to do given the limitations of being in the Nicu and not being in your own home environment.
One of the best things that help children who are born premature is reading.
Read. Read. Read.
While we personally are not doctors, it was reinforced over and over and over again by one of our Nicu doctors during our stay. She explained how important talking and reading would help our son- explaining the many benefits reading aloud has on preemies.
Reading helps a baby resonate with their families voice and is low in stimulation. With the Nicu being a quieter place, it gives parents a way to engage with their babies each visit and bond.
Personally I loved to kangaroo and read to him.
As premature children grow post Nicu life, reading to them/with them, helps enhance their brain development and language skills as they grow.
Bryce is now 2 years old and loves books.
Every morning he gets up, the first thing he does is bring us his book and wants us to read it to him.
Not only is it great for him, it helps us have some extra snuggles for a crazy two year old who normally doesn’t sit still otherwise.
Over the last 2 years it’s been a journey...
It hasn’t been easy, but we couldn’t of done it without the help of our amazing NICU team and support system. Current times are challenging for all with covid 19 and we can’t help but think of what we went through vs how much more stressful it must be on parents going through the Nicu journey currently.
Bryce loves his NICU family as do we.
For some time now, we wanted to do something to give back and we feel this is the perfect way to do it!
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of year and we want to spread a little cheer!
“Bryces wish” is to provide each baby/family in the NICU each with a book to read to spread a little cheer this holiday season and give back to the NICU he was born, Rush Medical Chicago.
He is asking for your help in making this happen so they can be delivered by Christmas!
They can be any book you choose; some of the favorites we have found for Bryce are goodnight moon, wishes, pout pout fish, etc!
**Due to covid 19- it is highly suggested that the book has a harder cover /wipeable surface so they can be wiped down prior to giving to families/prepared and packaged. **
We appreciate your kindness and support!
I will be accepting donations through 12/20, putting together and dropping off right before Christmas for the Nicu to disperse Christmas Eve/Christmas morning!
**There are, on average, up to 60 babies in the NICU at one time. **
Our goal is to collect 140 books as there may be some twins or triplets in the Nicu at this time!
If you are interested in making a book donation, please send me an email for my address.

If you are interested in donating, all proceeds with be used to purchase books for the NICU babies!

If you would like to send a book/books, I can provide you with an address as well, send me an email at the email below!

Please share with your friends and family, others you think may be interested.

[email redacted]

Sincerely,
Bryce H. nd His parents,
Dana and Vancouver
#brycestrong
#micropreemiesupportingpreemies
#givingback