Jennifer Ashleigh’s Children Charity Helps Children and Families!

Since Mateo was born Kyle and I were by his side. Having a congenital heart condition for him meant that anytime he cried he desaturated, which means his oxygen levels would come down and we would have to give him supplementary oxygen, but that was not enough, if he continued to cry he would continue to desaturate. So between mommy, daddy and the nurses we needed to make sure that Mateo was happy and that we did whatever it took to keep him from crying. You may understand how difficult this would be for a newborn, whose only way of communicating is crying! This meant that Kyle needed to go on an unpaid leave so him and I could dedicate all of our time to making sure Mateo was happy, coMfortable and that he did not desaturate. This was made only more difficult when at the hospital they were continuously doing bloodwork, non-invasive (but still scary to a baby) procedures, or surgeries.

8 months into being at the hospital after Mateo was born, Kyle and I were feeling the financial burden that comes from having a baby in the hospital. That’s when Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity gave us a hand. You see, they not only think about the children who are struggling at the hospital, but they also think about the caregivers who are at the hospital taking care of their baby while still having the responsibility of all their home finances. So we filled out an application and received financial assistance to help alleviate the costs of a couple months of accommodations, as well as get healthy groceries. With those groceries our families helped us cook delicious meals that we were able to take to the hospital and enjoy for lunch and for dinner rather than relying on the purchase of “fast food” at the Hospital. This act of kindness and support from Jennifer Ashleigh meant the world to Kyle and I. To actually have a charity that thinks about the families that are struggling and taking care of their sick babies day in and day out was heart warming for us, and we were so grateful.

During Christmas time Jennifer Ashleigh asked if Mateo would be an ambassador for them. We were thrilled with the idea and wanted to do whatever we could to give back, and support a charity that had been there when we needed help the most. So, Mateo was part of their holiday campaign where they were able to raise over $200,000 to help other children and families like ours. We personally know many families that have been blessed by this charity. We will forever be thankful to the donors who with compassion and love help so many families through some of the hardest times in their lives.

A year later Mateo was in the hospital for another neuro-surgery and heart surgery and again Kyle had to take an unpaid leave so we could be with Mateo 24 hours a day. We decided to apply again to see if Jennifer Asheligh could help us, and they came to the rescue once more! They provided us with funds to help alleviate accommodations costs and healthy meals. This was a huge relief for us, as with COVID-19 the Ronald McDonald House where we had previously stayed was not opened, and we had to rent an Airbnb in Toronto which was very costly. As well, being able to get groceries and have our families make us home made meals always make hospital days a bit better by enjoying something that has been made with love.

We are so grateful to Jennifer Ashleigh for the support and kindness that they have shown our family. The Jennifer Ashleigh team is always checking up on Mateo, sending him love and well wishes. They have become more than a charity but a family to us. We are blessed to have received their support and we hope that you learn more about them and consider supporting their cause!

To donate go to: DONATE