For two sweet boys...

For those of you who know me personally, you know that I am not the type of person to ask for things. But there are certain events in a persons life that touch you and cause you to act. Sometimes because of this you must ask for other people to help you out...


My friend Courtney Peek and her husband Jason became pregnant in September of 2008. They were beyond excited when they found out they were having twin boys. They felt them kick, they picked out the nursery, planned the shower...they did everything to prepare themselves for the homecoming of their precious boys.

On 1-31-09 Courtney became severely ill with something called HELPP syndrome. It is a severe form of preeclampsia (which used to be called toxemia) where your blood pressure skyrockets and your internal organs swell. It can cause seizures and even death. The only "cure" is to deliver the baby/ies. So at 22 weeks pregnant they were faced with this. For those of you who have been pregnant before, you know that the love of your child begins when you find out you are pregnant. You take care of that child by eating right, taking it easy, talking to him/her. You love that child. For those of you haven't been pregnant, just try to imagine the feelings that come along with carrying a life in your body. At this point in the pregnancy the child(rens) bodies are formed, the have little fingernails and hair on their heads. They look like a full term baby, but they are just so small.

At 9:06 in the morning on January 31st, Logan Ryan was born weighing 14.1 oz and 10.34 inches in length. Brody McRae was born at 9:28 am weighing 15.6 oz and was the same height as his brother. These precious little boys were welcomed by their mother, their father, their aunt, and their Grandma.

Both boys fought as hard as they could. They were alive for 2 precious hours. Brody took his last breath at 10:42 am and Logan took his at 11 am

There are no words to describe the emotions that go along with such a horrible tragedy. This is not a happy story to tell, but it is one that happened to them and one that happens to countless other parents.

Courtney and Jason have been so brave throughout this awful journey. They've shown so much strength and courage. I can't give them their boys back, but I do want to honor them while helping out others who are unfortunately going through the same event in their own life. Their story has affected me beyond belief. I love those little boys so much and I pray for them every night. I've seen Logan and Brody's pictures and they were such beautiful little boys who would have had such an amazing life. I've been wanting to do something in their honor for quite some decided to contact Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI (where the twins were born) and see what we could do to honor the boys while at the same time fullfilling the needs that they have at the hospital.

I met with 3 women who are involved in various ways with the NICU and they were absolutely amazing. Through my meeting with them I learned that no one covers the cost of "extra" items for these grieving parents and families. This includes memory boxes that they send home with the child/childrens pictures, pamphlets about grieving, ribbon they put in the little girls hair, gowns and blankets for the children, molds to put their tiny footprints, and a numerious other items. One of the women I met with even goes out, as much as she can, and buys these items with her own money so that these parents have something to carry home with them in honor of the lives of their children. The women seemed so appreciative that I was even there talking with them about it.

This is where I will ask for your help. I know that it is a tough economy right now and everyone is cutting back, but I'd like to ask you to please donate one of the items on the list. On average the cost of each item is very minimal (see avg. pricing below). I think most of us, and I know not all of us, but most of us, can set aside that amount of money to spend on such a wonderful thing. I want to honor these boys and to help out other grieving parents, but I need your help to do it. I want to make it as easy as possible for those of you that want to help so either you can send the actual item to me or you can send me a donation and I will go out and buy the item and send you the receipt so you know that your money went to this. I am trying to have these gift packages done by about August 15ish and hopefully delivered the week after (of course no matter when the item is sent, I will donate it to the hospital). If there is any way that you can help me out I would be forever grateful. This isn't for me, this is for Logan and Brody. Please help me honor their memory. xoxo-Rachel

If you would like to follow Courtney and Jason's journey through their grieving please go to http://www.journey2babypeek.blogspot.com/

If you would like to contact me personally, my email is rachelspeese@hotmail.com

Please send any donations to:
Keystone Printing
C/O Lisa Craig
154000 S. US Hwy 27
Lansing, MI 48906


The following items are needed:

Crayola Model Magic:

A big bag of this is $19.99(at Michaels) and a small pouch is $3.99 (please make sure it is WHITE in color). This is for taking a mold of the baby's footprint.



Small Boxes for footprints


These can also be found at Michaels. They are unfinished (I will finish them or you can-Either white paint or stained) and cost $1.99 each. They hold the mold of the baby's footprint
It does not have to look exactly like this, but something similiar that is about the same size)

Pamphlets:

Pamphlets that are about grieving can be found at http://www.centering.org/
Most are around $2-3 a piece. There are 7 that are handed out to each family. The titles that are needed are: (You can type the titles into the search button)

• Making Loving Memories $2.50
• Healing a Father's Grief $2.00
• Healing Together $3.50
• When Hello means Goodbye $3.00
• When a Baby Dies $3.00
• Healing Grief $2.00
• There is another title they want, but I can't read the handwriting so I'll have to update later!!

Also needed:

-Memory Boxes: White boxes with lids to make memory boxes out of. They are sturdy (not flimsy) and about the size of a box you would put pictures into for scrapbooking, but I can't figure out where to find any. I'm going to contact the women at the hospital to see where they get them. Or if anyone has an idea please let me know.I will try to update a pic soon.

-Gift Bags: Large gift bags to carry home all of baby's things. Please make sure it is soft gender neutral colors. It is VERY important that these bags are calming and plain. Please no baby related bags or bags with bright colors. I will try to find a pic of something similiar. Also, they must be fairly big in size to fit in memory box and other items.

-Ribbon: Pink ribbon to tie bows in the little girls hair

-Gowns and Hats: If you (or anyone you know who would be willing to help) can sew or knit-Gowns and hats are always needed. I found a site online that shows measurements that are helpful. The one they showed me at the hospital was an off white color and very simple, but VERY delicate and beautiful. http://thepreemieproject.com/volunteer/patterns/P2/ (under Bereavement patterns)