Mother-Daughter Duo Gift Supplies To Families With NICU Babies

AnnLee's Violet Light Project supports families with babies in the NICU.

We've told you about a big donation to the organization, and now, a mother-daughter duo is doing something good with it.

Previous Story: Inola Girl Starts Nonprofit, Raises $12,000 For Families Of Children In The NICU

Thirteen days. That's how long AnnLee Collier was in the NICU.

Photos of her tiny baby bring Shawnda Cavilee back to that moment. 

“11 years later it is still hard to think about,” she said. “Like one step forward, two steps back every day is what it felt like.”

But AnnLee took enough steps to head home with her mom after those two weeks. AnnLee is now a happy and healthy sixth grader.

Because of the first thirteen days of her life, she and her mom devote time to helping families with NICU babies. They started by delivering 25 books on Christmas to families in the NICU, and now they supply hundreds of bags nationwide.

Some bags are to help families in the NICU, while others are to support grieving parents. Shawnda says they offer bereavement bags as a way to honor her friend's baby.

“She had made the comment that my baby still existed like I still want to hear her name. I still want people to remember her and her memory to be carried on and that's when we just said if we are going to spend the rest of our lives advocating for AnnLee and all the things we are going to do the same thing for Kennedy because she deserves her memory to be carried on as well,” she said.

Those thirteen days have taught them many lessons — but the most important is to help others when you can.

“When someone is having a rough time, try to cheer them up or try to be there for them,” said AnnLee.

“You give your best to love on people around you,” Shawnda said.

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