Update: Virtual Benefit for Momma Jorje

A little over 48 hours ago, I posted a Virtual Benefit for Momma Jorje.







That blank space represents how speechless I feel in response to the outpouring of love and support that followed. The team of volunteers at the Natural Parents Network joined me in springing into action to support our friend, our teammate, our sister Jorje. Many of you donated, and many of you helped spread the word about Spencer and his family.

Together, we have raised over $1000 for Jorje's family. ($1362.63 at time of posting.) I matched the PayPal fees on the first $1000, so almost every penny of that total has gone directly to the family. (If anyone is interested in helping offset PayPal's fees for donations over the first $1000, please contact me at delilahfineandfair@gmail.com.)

Together, we have given this family a tremendous gift, the gift of remaining close together while Spencer gets strong enough to join them at home.

Your support has enabled Spencer's family to spend more time
close to him, as it should be!
Spencer with Momma Jorje and Daddy Elmo.
Photo Courtesy of Momma Jorje

Thanks to your help, Jorje, her husband, and their two year old daughter checked into a hotel directly across the street from the hospital yesterday. Thanks to your help, Jorje is able to provide more of Spencer's feedings throughout the day and night directly from the breast. You have helped to ease the burden on this family during this challenging time.

Spencer's Beautiful Baby Foot!
Photo Courtesy of Momma Jorje

As for Spencer? He has been growing stronger and more healthy slowly but surely. I'm no medical expert, so forgive me if I get any of the terminology wrong, but Spencer's bilirubin levels have been dropping and as of today he no longer requires light therapy. He has also been taken off heat! He remains on oxygen, but his oxygen saturation has stabilized and they have lowered the level to 23 (Jorje tells me that 21 is "room level", so he's almost there!). An echo-cardiogram next week will show whether there has been improvement in the heart condition that is causing him to require oxygen. Spencer is growing more alert and responsive at the breast, and has been nursing longer and stronger every day.

I have been humbled and overwhelmed by the response to Jorje and Spencer's story. I am awed by both the generosity of virtual strangers, and the power of social networking to draw attention to this family's need for support and understanding.

Thank you. All of you. Whether you donated, helped spread the word, or kept this family in your thoughts or prayers, you made a difference. Donations will continue to be accepted, as there is still no estimate as to how long Spencer will require special care. Please continue to donate if you can, and to spread the word by sharing the original benefit post. Most importantly, continue to keep Momma Jorje and her precious newborn son in your thoughts and prayers.

To show your love to the team of Natural Parents Network volunteers who worked so hard to help make this possible, please click here for their favorite or most popular blog posts of 2011!


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