Name: Anna Claire
Vollers
Tell us a little bit
about your family.
My husband Jeff and I married in 2005 and live in Huntsville with our son
Will, 2. We’re expecting a son in July 2012.
How has your family
been impacted by the Melissa George Neonatal Memorial Fund?
Our twin boys, Will and Graham, were born 12 weeks
prematurely in May 2010. Graham passed
away six days after he was born due to complications of prematurity, and Will
spent 71 days in the NICU before coming home. They both received wonderful care
in the Huntsville Hospital NICU, and benefitted from technology like Giraffe
beds, for which the Melissa George Fund helps raise money. The Fund also
purchases supplies for grief boxes. The NICU nurses decorate and fill a box
with items that belong to a preemie who passes away while at the NICU, and then
give the box to the preemie’s family. The box we received of Graham’s things is
immeasurably precious to us, and we are so thankful to have a place to keep
tangible reminders of Graham’s life.
Why did you choose to
get involved with the Miracle Bash/Swim for Melissa?
I got the chance to meet Amy and Chris George while we were
in the NICU, and was so thankful for the work they and other volunteers have
done to benefit babies like mine. I wanted to be able to give back.
Why do you think is
the mission of the Melissa George Fund is important to our community?
I think it’s wonderful how the Fund shines the spotlight on
some of the littlest members of our community and the very special needs that
they have. Money raised through the Fund has been used to purchase life-saving
and life-sustaining equipment, and to support families of NICU babies – and all
of that money stays right here in the Huntsville
area. Our regional NICU has top-quality resources, thanks in part to the
Melissa George Fund.
What’s your favorite
part of the Miracle Bash/Swim for Melissa?
I love how it brings our community together for such an
important cause. The Miracle Bash is such a fun night of bidding, dining,
dancing and live music.
What would you say to
someone who’s never been to the Miracle Bash or Swim for Melissa?
It’s hard to find a more worthwhile way to spend your time
and money than at fundraising events for tiny babies! Plus, these events are
really fun.
What kinds of things
do you and your family like to do for fun?
We love spending time together outdoors, and finding new
places to explore!
Anything else you’d
like to add?
I’m thankful to get to help in any way I can for such a
worthwhile cause like the Melissa George Fund. It blesses my life and I know
it’s been a blessing to so many other parents in North
Alabama .
