Helping Kids at Hopkins
In honor of
Gabrielle Keiran Dreistadt
January 21, 1996 ~
June 5th, 2008
Helping Kids at Hopkins is Holly Anne’s brainchild.
While on vacation in Ireland with her dad and twin brother, her daughter, Gabrielle, fell ill. Gabrielle was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia at the Children’s hospital in Dublin, and sent to John’s Hopkins Children’s Hospital for treatment.
During the next few months at Hopkins, we met a lot of different families. Holly Anne wanted them to know that although it didn’t work out well in her case, we haven’t forgotten them, and are still hopeful things will work out better in their case.
There are so many different reasons you find yourself at Hopkins, and it touches your life in ways I can’t even begin to express. While hanging around the hospital, everywhere from PICU to the cafeteria, you come into contact with people who are helping their children, grandchildren, friends, co-workers, and in my case, my goddaughter.
I met parents with kids who were perfectly fine until they got sick suddenly, which is how it happened to Gabrielle.
They have babies who have been in the hospital since birth and are hoping the latest surgery heals them so they can finally come home for their 6mo birthday.
They have kids who have ongoing health issues for years, and they have to go in; again missing another holiday, occasion, day of school.
The stories are all varied, and all touch your heart.
The contest started as a group in ravelry as a way to do something for the kids and families that she spent the most time with.
The reason behind the contest is twofold. Mainly, it’s for the kids. To do something fun and silly that breaks up the monotony of the stay. Giving them something to call their own, a new toy, a hat, socks, goes a long way. It lets them know that someone out there is cheering them on.
Secondly, for the parents who struggle daily to keep spirits high. You rack your brains trying to find ways to make this better for your baby. We are hoping that we can give a little bit of a helping hand.
There will be 3 items chosen from every contest. The winners are the kids that receive our projects. The prizes are just because we need to say THANK YOU to everyone who helps out. They deserve one! :O) It’s our way to repay their generosity.
I can’t tell you how much Gabrielle appreciated the caps that were knit for her. We received some from both friends and total strangers, who just wanted to do something for her after hearing her story. We were overwhelmed with good wishes and folks who shared their talent.
To keep things fresh and new, there is a new contest every 2 months. They will benefit many different units of the John’s Hopkins Children’s hospital.
March/April- Help plant our garden and watch them grow! We are making hats for the itty bitty babies in the NICU. These hats can be fun and colorful, fruit and veggies, or seasonal for the holidays. Hundreds were donated last year. Let’s see how many we can donate this year.
May/June- TBA
July/Aug-Amigurumis. We used to do these at the holidays, but they are a great project for vacations and the hot summer days. These knit or crochet small toys are fun and addictive to make!
Nov/Dec- Annual Silent Auction with proceeds going to the families at Hopkins and research for Severe Aplastic Anemea. Items can be donated for the auction throughout the year and can be only limited by your imagination! Last year’s items included pottery, gift certificates, jewelry, gift baskets, quilted project bags and needle holders, handmade soaps, and yarn yarn yarn:-) (Many non-fiber related people attend, so think of them as well.)
Helping Kids at Hopkins
PO Box 105
Hanover, MD 21076
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
Scott Adams
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