Families We've Helped
The Baby Had Other Plans
Mike* had served three tours of duty over the past several years as a National Guard combat veteran. In August of 2010, he returned to his pregnant wife and three year-old child and a new civilian position - thrilled to take off his uniform, spend time with his family, and await the birth of his new child.
Shortly after his return, his wife went into premature labor and delivered their infant seven weeks prematurely. The baby was born with underdeveloped lungs and was immediately transferred to a specialized hospital two hours from their home. Extra expenses - gas and travel expenses, food, child care for their toddler, and a looming car insurance premium - piled up as Mike missed work to make the long commute back and forth to the hospital. Because he'd recently returned from a deployment, Mike hadn't been working with his civilian employer long enough to qualify for family leave pay. But he also wasn't going to miss this precious time with his critically ill newborn.
Home Front Hearts agreed that Mike (or anyone for that matter) shouldn't have to pick work over a family crisis and stepped in to provide some immediate assistance. We rallied communities in three different states to support this family. We were able to provide gift cards for gas and food, diapers, clothing, and other miscellaneous items for the new baby, and funding for the car insurance payment. This assistance gave Mike's family some breathing room to tend to what really mattered.
We're happy to report that the baby is doing well and home and Daddy is back to work. Home Front Hearts was able to serve this military family by linking them with community resources and donations to meet their short-term needs.
We are honored to assist these military families who have given so much for our country and who ask for so little in return.
*name changed to protect family's privacy
