Stories of Strength

  Lindens Story

On July 5, 2003, after just 27 weeks of pregnancy, I gave birth to Linden. A time we naturally hoped to be filled with joy for our family turned into weeks wrought with emotional turmoil, distress and fear -- wondering each day whether he would make it through the night.

Meningitis, septicemia, ventricular brain hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, and seizures (to name a few) were some of the conditions diagnosed in Linden when he was born.

Through the wonderful care and dedication Linden received from the Mount Sinai hospital staff as well as his own strength and spirit, the day came when we were able to take him home.

Linden’s condition seemed dire at times and we were on occasion at desperation point. Sadly, we know his story is not unique. With the knowledge that this happens daily to others, THE LINDEN FUND was created with the hope, desire and determination to help make things a little easier for other babies, parents, and staff.

The objective of THE LINDEN FUND is to raise money to purchase specialized medical equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our goal is to supply this department with new equipment such as incubators, intravenous pumps and other lifesaving apparatus.

THE LINDEN FUND also supplies items of comfort and security to assist in the mental, physical and emotional development of both the infants and their families. In addition to funding major medical equipment in the NICU, our efforts include the provision of devices such as specialized hanging mobiles. These assist in the infants’ visual development and stimulation.

Linden is now a happy, healthy 3 year old and we are clearly blessed to have him in our lives.
In him we see the miracle that is possible and the hope that, together, we can bring for others.

  Andrius' Story

On January 28th, 2006, after just 26 weeks of pregnancy, I gave birth to my son, Andrius. Up until then, my knowledge about premature babies was very limited. I remember desperately wanting a preemie cabbage patch kid when I was seven years old, thinking how cute they were. The trivialization of this severe medical condition even continued in my mind as we were driving to the hospital and I naively thought how great it would be if the baby was born today, assuming that we would be able to take him home. After the critical 25 week mark, parents breathe a sigh of relief because they are aware that the fetus is now viable, meaning that the baby is able to survive outside the womb. A less know fact is the prevalence of babies that die every day due to pre-term births.

Andrius was born in Markham Stoufville Hospital and was immediately transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. My husband and I only saw him for a brief moment and were given a Polaroid picture of him in case he passed away. The photo of a tiny baby on a life support machine was a lot different than the birth announcement photos most parents receive after their baby is born. When we arrived in the NICU the next day, I couldn’t believe how small he was.

Born just under 2 pounds, he could practically fit in the palm of my husband’s hand. For the next two months we travelled daily to the hospital, spending hours a day standing by his isolette and praying that he would survive this tremendous ordeal. The level of stress and anxiety we felt is indescribable; living each day not knowing if he would make it through the night. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in the NICU.

Finally the joyous day came when he was transferred to the level 2 nursery in Markham Stouffville Hospital. We were so thankful to have him close to home, alleviating the daily stress of commuting to Toronto. During his stay, Andrius learned how to bottle and breastfeed and after a couple of weeks, weighing 8 pounds, the doctor decided that he was strong enough to come home.

During his stay at Mount Sinai, I started enquiring about local charities that provided assistance to the NICU and was referred to The Linden Fund. After viewing their website, I was shocked to see that the Linden Fund was started by one lady, Lauren, who herself had a baby, Linden, at 27 weeks gestation. I am proud to say that I am now an active volunteer for The Linden Fund and am able to help families in the same situation that we were in.
Today, Andrius is a healthy and chubby year old. So far he has no developmental delays and is reaching all milestones for babies his corrected age (9 months) . Our family was truly blessed to have our baby boy get through this enormous ordeal and thank God every day for giving us the precious gift of life.

  Francescos Story

MY HEART BROKE TO PIECES ON OCT.28 2006...

That would be the last day that I would ever be able to touch my new born baby boys little hand. At 2 pounds, 13 inches long, after a week long fight and being only 27 weeks old, Francesco took a turn for the worse and then quickly drifted away to play amongst the clouds with the other angels in heaven.

My first born son was the greatest gift that could have ever be given to me. From the moment that we locked our eyes on each other and I held his little hand it was instant ever lasting love that not even death could destroy. I miss my son dearly and everyday is a struggle to carry on. The pain is often unbearable.

On behalf of my family and my little angel Francesco, we hope that the donations made (instead of flowers) to The Linden Fund makes a difference in at least one child’s life. Thank you to all the volunteers/friends for all your support during our fight for Francesco's little life. God bless you all.

  Melissas Story

On June 24, 1989, after 29 weeks of pregnancy, I gave birth to our first daughter, Melissa. Pre-eclampsia forced a midnight run from bed rest at Scarborough General to a fast caesarian at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.

It was overwhelming to see Melissa turn her head and wink at us on ultrasound that night. The doctor was surprised and said it was a rare occurrence. Knowing she was a reassuring and viable 4 pounds, we chose her middle name, Joy, right then.

She was only on oxygen for one hour as luckily she could breathe alone after that. The monitors and sensors made us feel so disconnected from her. All we could do sometimes was to rub a small area of her back for contact and comfort. At one point they shaved her head ready to insert the IV there but it wasn’t required in the end. Her weight plummeted to about 2 lbs. before it rose again.

After five days in the NICU the incubator was needed for incoming twins and triplets so she was transported to our nearest hospital, East York General. There I learned to breast and tube feed her. Her father, Stewart, was thrilled to be able to tube feed her from his finger.

Two weeks later, at five pounds, she was able to come home. The daily bus trips to feed and be with her each day were over.

Today Melissa is a healthy 17-year-old, karate black belt, getting ready to go off to University. She has chosen Kinesiology as her area of study. Her birth and her interaction with medical and alternative therapies have pointed her in that direction.

I admire the Linden Fund very much for its work and support its efforts. The emotional and physical stresses are hard to describe. So many tears are shed - feelings of joy, of fear, of inadequacy. Every kindness at this time is truly appreciated.