Justyce for Kids

Additional Information

Hello,

My name is Nicole Wells and I'm writing to ask for your help to promote a fundraising event called Justyce for Kids that is taking place at Prairie Ridge Elementary School in Kalamazoo, on June 11, 2016 from 11am-3pm. Justyce for Kids is named after my 18 month old son, Justyce, who was born December of 2014 with a birth defect called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. He spent most of the first year of his life in the hospital and is now doing better at home with the help of supplemental oxygen and a feeding tube.

The goal of Justyce for Kids is to create a day where the community comes together to celebrate our medically complex children. The celebration is happening in a few different ways:

1.Celebration for the kids- we are having games, bounce houses, face painting, a balloon artist all for the kids. Our goal is to create a place where all kids both healthy and medically complex can come together and have fun. We have a variety of sensory games and a special "sensory house" for kids who may not feel comfortable in the typical bounce house (we will have a more typical bounce house there also). It is a place where kids who may not be able to participate in a "average school carnival" can play with their not so complex piers.

2. Opportunities for people to give- we will have a few different fundraisers happening during Justyce for Kids, each one benefiting medically complex children in some way.

A. Silent Auction to benefit the Bronson Children's Hospital NICU Camera project- the goal is to put an individual camera on each baby's isolet in the NICU, so parents can download an app on their phone, and see their child in real time when they cannot be at the hospital. My son spent 6 months in the NICU at the University of Michigan, and I know first hand how much parents would appreciate them.
B. Blood Drive with Michigan Blood- My son would not be alive if it wasn't for people donating blood. It's one of the best's gift's to give.
C. Baked goods sale for CHERUBS (The Association for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research and Support.) This is the birth defect my son was born with. Not only is this a chance to raise awareness, for this mostly unheard of birth defect that kills over half the babies who are born with it, but it's a way for us to give back to an organization that has helped my family (and many families like mine) in our most difficult moments.

3.A place to learn about community opportunities for medically complex children-
Here is a list of community organizations who will be present at Justyce for Kids:
•Bethany Christian Services (Sending a representative)
•Challenger Little League (waiting for brochures)
•Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center (sending representatives & Mini horses)
•Family & Children Services (Children’s Medical Needs Fund) Sent Brochures
•Physiokids sending representatives & activities
•True Vine Equestrian Center Sending representatives
•Sky Zone (waiting for decision: Representative or Information)

I know that I just gave you a ton of information, but we would love to make this event as big as possible for the kids. This is a fun family centered event and we want people to bring the whole family. We would really appreciate any advertising you are willing to help us with so we can let the community know what is going on. Admission is free and all the money raised will benefit medically complex children in our community.

Thank you for your time, and please feel free to contact me with any questions,

Nicole Wells
(269)270-8930
nwells3137@gmail.com