Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Day 73: Bought a Clover


Yesterday when I didn't buy my morning coffee and instead bought a pin to support FaceAIDS.org, it gave me an idea. This week is going to be pin/ribbon week. Every random act of kindness I am going to do today through Friday will in some way involve a pin or a ribbon that helps support a cause or brings awareness to a cause that may not be as public as others.

One of our blog followers recently reached out to me and made me aware of a woman named Nikki. Nikki gave birth to her baby boy, Collins, on May 18th, 2011. Sadly, due to an unknown lung condition that wouldn't allow Collins' lungs to grow, he passed away just 37 hours later. As a way to cope with the loss of her son, Nikki started Caps for Collins. In honor of Collins, Nikki knits hats for children in the NICU and for families being photographed by Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. Nikki's (and her family's) strength through all of this is amazing. I couldn't even begin to imagine losing Isla because I almost broke down just at the thought of it.

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, Nikki's friends put together Clovers for Collins in an effort to raise money for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep in Collins' name and as a tribute/surprise for Nikki. I am a huge fan of St. Patrick's Day, and decided that for today's random act, I would purchase a clover pin for my daughter so that she will hopefully love it too (although not until she is like 25). I again decided to pass on my morning coffee and spent the $5 on the pin. I figured a little good luck is better than a little caffeine. If you would like to support Nikki in her cause, please visit the above links.

11 comments:

  1. I am amazed and inspired by the strength of people like Nikki who take their pain and do something productive with it. She has found a way to do something for other babies and their families. I will check out the links you provided. Thanks for sharing this.

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  2. Inspiring ideas always. You little one will definitely like the pin and the thought that goes behind it.
    Regards,
    Ruby

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  3. It is National Multiple Sclerosis week. My future sister-in-law was diagnosed with MS back in 2010, and creates jewelry to raise awareness and funds for research. Please purchase one of her MS Awareness keychains during your week of pins and ribbons (a keychain is close!). If you can't purchase from her, please find a place where you can support MS this week. I am constantly amazed by your journey. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    http://www.thesilverdragonfly.com/team_my_last_nerve_-_ms_fundraiser

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  4. How sweet of you! A friend of mine posted your blog, and it made me cry to see my sweet Collins' name here. Thank you for supporting the cause!

    Do you care if I link you and share this post on my own blog:

    http://www.imissyoulikehell.blogspot.com ?

    Thank you so much for the shout outs and the RAOK to us.

    xx,

    Nikki, mommy to Collins

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  5. Thank you so much for sharing! What an amazing journey you're on :)

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  6. I love this so much. Collins made such an impact on so many lives and continues to do so. Thank you for sharing this! :)

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  7. Thank you so much for the feature! :) We are honored to be a part of Clovers For Collins and honored to be a part of your project!

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  8. You come up with the most interesting things to do on a daily basis!

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  9. I cried my eyes out reading this post. I couldn't imagine (nor do I want to) ever loosing any of my children. My parents went through the loss of a child when my brother pass away 21 years ago. My heart goes out to Nikki and hope that she finds peace.

    Ryan, in your path to spread kindness, you are touching and inspiring so many people. Just want to thank you. Reading your posts are my "coffee" to jumpstart my giving kindness.

    Many blessings
    Teresea

    http://flowingwiththekarma.blogspot.com

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  10. Ryan,
    You are proof that one person CAN make a difference.
    I look forward to reading your blog everyday.

    Adrienne
    www.everything-is-temporary.com

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  11. such a beautiful way to make ur pain ur strength and keep ur loved ones alive in this world....hats off to u nikki....

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