Oliver’s NICU Book Drive
For 83 days, Chelsea and Chris Verdier sat at their son’s bedside at UAMS. Oliver Verdier was born at just 28 weeks, their little miracle following the loss of twin daughters one year prior. Chelsea and Chris talked, sang and read to Oliver daily. They quickly noticed that even though UAMS was one of the largest hospitals in the state, their book selection for parents in the NICU was limited. After they were finally able to take Oliver home, the Verdier’s set out to stock the book shelves for other parents who would also spend days if not months in the hospital with their child. Oliver’s NICU Book Drive was a big success! Chelsea and Chris Verdier are regular volunteers for us here at Mamie’s and sponsor Baylor Scott and White Grapevine in memory of their daughters, Hazel and Eleanor.
Thank you Chelsea and Chris for being the “bright light” for so many parents.
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Taken from Chelsea’s Facebook post -
Oliver’s NICU book drive has officially come to a close. With your help, we have collected over 300 books (and still counting). Because of the enormous outpouring of support, we have decided to give back to 2 hospitals, UAMS and Baptist Health Hospital. Both hospitals will be given books for their Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
Every delivery, porch drop off, and in person donation has moved us to tears. Our “little” passion project that we dreamt up one night has turned into something much bigger than we could have ever imagined. We truly are blessed to be surrounded by such kindhearted people and Oliver is so lucky to have you all in his corner.
We hope these books will give parents the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. And by reading, their voice will carry over the loud machines, beeping and chaos. We hope the words on the pages will bring both the parents and their babies the same peace that it brought us.
As Oliver grows up we want him to be a bright light in the world. We want him to know that no matter how dark the world may seem, he can do good and inspire others to do the same. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. None of this would have been possible without the love, support and generosity from our family, friends and community members.
Sending all of you a big hug and lots of love,
Chelsea, Chris and Oliver
UAMS book drop off-
It was very surreal to be back in the place we called home for three months. It brought back more emotions than I think we were prepared for, but there was a sense of peace that came over us as soon as we saw all of the familiar faces we have come to love. Thank you Dr. Peeples for all that you have done and continue to do for the NICU and families. Our son undoubtedly would not be here if it weren’t for you, the other wonderful doctors and nurses.