Miracle cribs saving precious newborn lives
A $10,000 donation from Canterbury League Club has helped Miracles Babies Foundation deliver expert care to newborn sick babies.
The situation is serious – every year over 45,000 newborn babies nationally need special assistance from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU); over half of the babies have been born prematurely or face post-birth complications.
“This donation will go a long way to helping our local families in the Bankstown, Liverpool and surrounding areas. Liverpool Public Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit cares for up to 1000 babies every year requiring specialised care,” said Melinda Cruz, CEO and Founder of Miracle Babies Foundation.
Miracle Babies was founded in 2005 by Melinda and a group of mothers joined together by the experience of having premature and sick newborns. Initially operating out of Liverpool Public Hospital’s NICU, Miracle Babies now offers Australia-wide services with their in-hospital program available at 11 major hospitals in different states.
“The shock and emotional turmoil for families when a baby arrives early or critically ill is overwhelming and can be devastating. Through our NurtureProgram, families have access to ongoing support through our 24 hour helpline, in hospital support and ongoing support to assist with the challenges and transition to home after discharge. The donation from Canterbury League Club helps to continue and expand these services for local families,” said Melinda.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs player, Sam Perrett, became a Miracle Babies ambassador after the birth of his third child who needed urgent surgery post-birth.
“Our youngest, Sam Jnr, was born premature with a heart condition and spent time in the NICU. The Miracle Babies Foundation NurtureProgram is vitally important for families and we are thrilled to help and support Miracle Babies Foundation,” said Sam.
“No parent should have to go through the anxiety of watching their newborn baby fight for life. To these babies and their parents, the Miracle Babies Foundation provides the vital support that could make all the difference; they represent hope in an otherwise daunting situation,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, Chairman of the Canterbury League Club.
