13-Year-Old Delivers 17 Care Packages to KHMH NICU

Little Wonders, a project started by 13-year-old Gabriella Eck, a second-form student of St. Catherine Academy, to support families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, has reached its first major milestone. After making a public appeal for donations, Eck delivered 17 care packages to the NICU at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital earlier this afternoon. The packages contain essential items for newborns, including diapers, baby wipes, blankets and baby booties. The initiative was inspired in part by Eck’s own experience as a premature baby who spent her first ten days in the NICU. Eck says the response to the project has allowed her to turn that personal experience into support for other families going through a difficult time.

Gabriella Eck, Founder, Little Wings Project: “It’s such an honor that I was able to give back to my community in such a meaningful way but also something that’s so close to my heart because as I told Ms.Suzie the reason why I did this project is because it’s in tribute to my cousin the late Dr.Cecila Eck and also in tribute to my grandmother Judy Vasquez, she had a charity called Seed of Life which was dedicated to helping new mothers and newborns. I think I over exceeded the goal actually. I gave a lot compared to what I was aiming for. I was very touched actually because a lot of people came together to share my story on social media and also to give donations. I was very touched by how many people came together to support me and the babies in the NICU. I hope my project can grow as the years progresses and I can get more attention, more donation and things like that. It’s something I definitely want to continue because it really meant so much to me to be able to do this today.”

The donation was made possible through contributions from members of the public, along with support from Nando’s Wholesale and Brodies. Nurse Ashley Charlesworth at the KHMH NICU says the donation will provide much-needed assistance to families with babies receiving specialized care.

Nurse Ashley Charlesworth: “We really truly appreciate the donation to us. Some of our babies come from less fortunate homes, sometimes they come very far and the parents can’t come everyday so this donation will help us help the babies as well with their basic needs like diapers, their wipes and even the little sheets so that they can be snuggled. I can say I’m very proud of Ms.Gabriella and I have to thank her immensely for remembering the NICU and remember that she was a premie herself. So I hope that other people can look at this and take this example and also give back to the community in ways that she has also.”

Today’s handover marks the first delivery under Little Wonders, but Eck says the initiative is intended to continue supporting NICU families. Persons interested in supporting the project or learning more about Little Wonders can contact the organization through its social media pages or by calling 667-0780.