NICU Hallow-Boo!

Join Shannon's Star to make costumes for babies in the NICU for
Hallow – BOO!
No sewing skills necessary!

October 16th, 2011
Rostraver Central Fire Department
Belle Vernon, PA
11am – 3pm
Lunch provided!
Volunteer and donate $15 and you will be entered to a win a fabulous prize!

For a donation of $6.00 you can help make 5 costumes!

~ About Luca ~
Luca Mateo Vincent was born at 24 weeks 3 days of gestation on October 8th, 2010 weighing
only 1lb and 5 ounces. He spent 43 days in the NICU until the day his parents feared; on November 20, 2010 he lost his life due to infection. While in the NICU, he received a NICU Hallowboo name tag from our 2010 fundraiser. Little did I understand at the time how much that would mean for his mom and dad, Heather and Matt. Luca was “Super Luca” for Halloween last year, and it is with him that the idea for this year’s NICU Hallowboo was struck.

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Shannon's Star- Pennsylvania Gift Bag Project

Kate, one of the founders of Project Sweet Pea, started her local project in memory of her angel, Shannon. Kate puts her heart and soul into everything she does and we are so thankful to have her with us with Project Sweet Pea!

You can contact kate at: kate@projectsweetpeas.com


Her Story:

Steve and Kate Crawford were expecting their first daughter, when they were told at their 18 week ultrasound that the baby had a life threatening birth defect known as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.Only half of babies born with this defect will live. After many ultrasounds, echocardiograms and fetl monitoring, the baby's outcome looked hopeful. Shannon Elizabeth Crawford was born January 16, 2007 at Magee-Women's Hospital and was transferred that same day to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. On January 17th, 2007, the couple found out their daughter also had a heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The combination was deadly and Shannon was given a 1% chance of surviving. On Janury 19th, 2007, it was decided that Shannon would not make it through any surgery, and prolonging life was not an option. Steve and Kate let their daughter pass quietly in their arms that night.

In June of 2007 the couple found out they were expecting again, only to miscarry their "Peanut Shelbe" in September. The couple was exhausted and felt hopeless at trying. To their amazement, they found out they were expecting once again in January of 2008, shortly after what would have been Shannon's first birthday. At the first ultrasound, the couple received the shock of their life - twins. In August of 2008, Kate delivered the twins girl 6 weeks premature. Grace Kathleen and Lily Anne spent two weeks in the NICU at Magee-Women's Hospital. Grace needed no extra support, she was monitored until her weight of 5lbs was met and she was released. Lily needed CPAP. She remained on a heart monitor after her arrival home for one month. Both girls are now home, happy and healthy.

Kate knows what it is like to sit in a NICU and have nothing to do but stare. She was been through the best outcome and the worst. For her, the small things she was able to hold on to in the NICU continues to bring her much comfort. She always wished she had more to remember Shannon by and loves to be able to provide these items to parents. Project Sweet Pea holds a special place in her heart.

Shannon

Grace

Lily

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