Virtual Benefit for Momma Jorje

Many readers of this blog know and love Momma Jorje, one of my fellow volunteers at the Natural Parents Network. For those of you who don't, let me tell you a little about her. Momma Jorje is one of the kindest and most authentic people I've had the pleasure to know and work with. She is a busy wife and mother in Tulsa, OK who shares openly and honestly, even when the truth is difficult, about her journey of attachment parenting, minimalist living, and most recently, becoming a parent of a child with Down Syndrome.

Spencer at 12 Hours Old
Photo Courtesy of Momma Jorje

When Jorje was 18 weeks pregnant, she found out that she was having a son with Down Syndrome. Jorje's family immediately set about learning everything they could to prepare to welcome Spencer to their loving circle. Spencer was born on Monday, December 26, and while he has needed some special care to get off to a good start, he has been making progress every day. There have been many steps forward and a few steps back, and Spencer will be remaining in the NICU until he is strong enough to join his family at home.

Here's what some NPN Volunteers have to say about Jorje:

Jorje is a wonderful, giving person. While she was dealing with all her pregnancy and nursing while pregnant woes, she always had time to help me out with mine. I will be eternally grateful for her friendship.

     - Shannon of Pineapples and Artichokes

I read a lot of blogs, but I always get excited to see a new post from Jorje. Her perspective on life and motherhood always gives me much to think about with my own life. Even with her busy life she's always ready with a positive comment or a good suggestion. I'm grateful to have her in my "circle of moms."

     -Jennifer of Monkey Butt Junction

Jorje is one of the people I'd turn to when I need a friend. No matter what's going on with her, she's always there for you. I have such respect for their choices around Spencer and am so proud to call her my friend.

     -Luschka of Diary of a First Child 

Jorje, you are my amazing bump buddy, my nightly ear, and inspiration. I pulled out my little manual pump to pump in solidarity with you. Hopefully, if I can get enough, it can help a family in your position locally. Lots of love!

     -Jennifer of True Confessions of a Real Mommy

Jorje is always happy to share her knowledge (tarantulas and head lice!) and passions (minimalism and breastfeeding!) and wisdom (raising multiple kiddos!) with everyone else, and I love following along with her adventures. She was meant to be Spencer's mother, because she'll be a megaphone for Down syndrome as well as (as always) an attached and amazing momma.

     -Lauren of Hobo Mama

Jorje has been a consistent source of support and friendship to her fellow volunteers, and it is my honor to be able to return that support to her today.

Jorje was heartbroken to be sent home without her beloved son. The hospital is unable to accommodate her has a guest, and she hasn't been able to locate or access resources that would enable her to stay close by. While she lives too close to the hospital to qualify for using the Ronald Mc Donald house, she lives far enough away that traveling back and forth to feed and bond with Spencer is both an emotional and economic hardship. Due to Spencer's birth, the holidays, and recent medical reasons, Jorje's husband has missed quite a bit of work, putting strain on an already tight budget.

Nature's best medicine!
Photo Courtesy of Momma Jorje

Together, we have the power to help this family. Jorje's family is weighing the pros and cons of staying in a nearby hotel against driving back and forth from their home to the hospital. In both cases, cost is a primary consideration. We can help by offsetting the costs of fuel and hotel accommodations so that Spencer's family can stay close to him, enabling the bonding and breastfeeding that will help him get strong enough to go home.

There are two ways you can help:

1. Donate.

Donations made using this button will go directly to Jorje's family. I will personally be offsetting PayPal's fees for each contribution with my own donation, so no amount is too small. Every single dollar helps. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can use a credit or debit card on the lower left-hand corner of the donation page, no account required!

2. Spread the word. Share this post on facebook, twitter, tumbler, your own blog, and anywhere else you can. If 500 people see this and each person contributes just $1, we could make a world of difference to this family. We might not be able to bring Spencer home any faster, but we can help his family stay closer to him for longer! Please help spread the word about Spencer, and help me help this loving family who is so deserving of our support and generosity.

For updates on this fundraising effort, follow along on twitter or facebook!

For the latest news on the benefit's success and Spencer's progress, click here!

For the final update on this virtual benefit, click here!




If you like this blog, please vote for me on Babble's Top 100 Mom Blogs. Thanks for your support!