Footprints

There is a really neat ministry for parents of babies in the NICU.  It is called Footprints Ministry.  I know several families that have been blessed by this ministry.  They actually were in contact with us while Lilly was in the RNICU at UAB, but at the time I don't think they had a Birmingham chapter of the ministry.  They do now deliver bags to St. Vincent's in Birmingham.

To learn more about the Footprints ministry see their blog.  Basically what they do besides pray for these families is give them gift bags.  Each bag contains a Bible, disposable camera (for the nurses to take pictures when the parents can't be there), gift card to local restaurants and stores, burp cloth monogrammed with footprints, a scent blankie with poem attached for the mother to sleep with and return to the baby, travel necessities such as toothbrushes, a prayer request card, klennex, baby magazine, and pens and notepads.  Each of these items are very important as most babies are premature and the families are not prepared when the baby arrives. They also do seasonal events like Santa, The Easter Bunny and Mother's Day visits.

 

This is something I wanted to help support so I am going to be part of their 5k/Fun Run on March 21.  I am doing the 1 mile Fun Run/Walk since I am not an athlete (yet :)  There is also going to be a pancake breakfast in Birmingham (Pelham) on Saturday March 14 if you live in that area.  All the details are here on their blog.

Having been in the NICU environment I understand some of these parents needs and I think the Footprints ministry is helping tremendously.  We were blessed to only be there 5 days, but many of the babies surrounding Lilly had been there months.  I was so sad to realize the baby next to her was from south Alabama and after a month the parents had to go back to work.  That poor baby never had a visitor the 5 days we were there because it is just too much to drive back and forth like that.  (This is also when gas was $4.50)  I know the parents getting these bags are grateful for all the help and support they can get.