Dear friends,
After an unforeseen and urgent trip to the hospital just over two weeks ago, Mary delivered baby Norah by emergency c-section at 27 weeks on August 31. Thanks be to God, little Norah and Mary are recovering, but at just over one pound, tiny Norah still has a long road ahead in the NICU, and there are some uncertainties about the care she may need long term.
Many people have been asking what they can do to be of support. Besides your prayers, messages of support, and the generous Meal Train response, you can show your love in a tangible way here. The most important way that you can give, after including this beautiful family in your prayers, is simply to share this campaign with your friends on social media, whether or not you can contribute personally in a financial way. And every contribution, no matter how modest, goes a long way as we come together as a community in support of our friends.
We all know what awesome, generous, above-and-beyond people Mary and her husband are. They are always there for us, going the extra mile, seeing what needs to be done and doing it, spending that extra time to listen, showing up at the game after hours, putting the care and attention into preparing events and classes, responding to those who need help. Now, as they have started their young family, they face formidable challenges beyond the usual adjustments to being a sleepless mom and dad.
As you also probably know, our friends are not the kind of people to ask for help. They’re usually the ones giving it. So, after receiving their permission, we are putting the word out and support them in this hour of great need. This is our chance to show our support to two awesome people and their tiny new baby girl. This beautiful young family can’t walk this road alone. Thank you for your generosity, and especially for your continued prayers, as the Castanos navigate this long-term NICU stay and everything that follows afterward. Your help will make a meaningful difference in their lives for years to come. May God bless you and your home!
UPDATE: Little Norah, who was slightly over 1 lb at birth (!) has now just crossed the 2 lb mark! Be strong, baby Norah! You can do this!
Mary is spending as much time as possible with Norah, who seems to noticably enjoy the comfort of Mommy’s presence. But she still faces at least another 50 days in the NICU. Please continue your prayers as beautiful Norah and her family navigate the ups and downs associated with this challenging situation!
