Thursday, December 29, 2011

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!




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8 comments:

  1. My heart hurts for this family! I really couldn't imagine not being able to be close to my son during this time. I've reposted on my blog. Facebook is giving me trouble but I'll get it linked to that too as soon as I can. I hope the word spreads! Love and support to Momma Jorje!

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  2. I really feel for you mum... I have shared on my group. I hope you will be reunited soon. x

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  3. I donated, I can't afford much but I hope it helps, what a touching story I hope mamma and gorgeous baby spencer will be together properly soon xx

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  4. As a single mother of two sweet boys, I understand just how important support from the community is. Breastfeeding IS the best medicine. Sending what we can in hope and many blessings!

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  5. I can't thank you enough. Jorje is the sister of my heart. You don't know me, but you have seen my 17 year old on her blog (CityGirl spent much of the summer with Jorje and her family, entertaining Sasha). She is always there for me, whether its as an encouraging word, a shoulder to cry on, or a ride home after an accident, she has always come through for me. She supports me, no matter what. She's been such a blessing for me.

    Thank you all for supporting her, and may blessings rain down on your houses.

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  6. I have shared and will be donating later, just gotta check the bank acct first to see what we can afford. Teddy had to stay behind in the NICU when I was discharged so I know how this feels :( Thankfully he only ended up having to stay 1 extra day but it was still torture, you are not supposed to go home w/o your baby.

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  7. i dont have any money, but i have some good condition baby things, and i also knit and craft for my job and would love to donate clothes or hats or anything like that if it could help. i live in colorado now and also have a friend who is involved in a charity knitting group. would blankets or hats be any help? i would like to help, and wish i could donate too!

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  8. Christy - I could not agree more! You are NOT supposed to go home w/o your baby!!

    Alex - personally, I think a knitted hat would be awesome! So sweet!

    Thank you ALL so, so much for the kindness. I just walk around still in shock that so many people have done so much for us. Thank you for every little bit and for every share and all the support!

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