August 2024 Newsletter

AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

Supporting Each Other

As the summer season begins its transition, August stands out as a month of warmth, reflection, and preparation. I’ve been fortunate to have my kids at home and engaged this summer, but I’m amazed at how quickly the new school year is approaching. It comes and goes so quickly, and I am grateful for our family time together.

Many of our families are not as fortunate, having to spend this time with their child in the hospital. These parents might not be able to enjoy a fun summer with their other children at home, as they may spend days, weeks, or even months in the hospital waiting for their critically ill child to improve and be discharged. Eider (see full story below) and his mom are one of those families that you will read about in this issue. They have spent over 6 months in hospitals.

The good news is that Hearts Aligned is here for families with critically ill children, helping them navigate resources and providing emotional and financial support. We want every family with a critically ill child to become part of a supportive and caring community.

We can only do this with the support of our caring community. Thank you to those who are part of this community. For those who are not yet connected, please join us at an event (see below Rock Your Heart Out), as a volunteer or as a contributor. These families need us more than ever. We hope this August brings you joy, relaxation, and inspiration.

Gratefully yours,

Vivian Solodkin

Founder & Executive Director

Visit heartsaligned.org

ROCK YOUR HEART OUT

Join Us for a Rockin’ Good Time

Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 5 – 8 pm

Hearts Aligned will be hosting our 2nd Annual

ROCK YOUR HEART OUT

A FUNdraiser featuring THE GOODLANDERS

~Classic Rock Tunes from the 60’s, 70’s and Today~

An evening of Music and Fun for a good cause!

The event will be held at The Red Piano,

519 State Street, Santa Barbara.

Tickets $40

For Sponsorships and VIP Seating

Contact Vivian@heartsaligned.org

All proceeds from the event will go towards our

Direct Family Assistance Programs.

BUY TICKETS

Meet Eider

Eider was born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation. In addition to having underdeveloped lungs and respiratory distress, he had a brain bleed and an anorectal malformation (a birth defect where the rectum didn’t develop properly), causing critical issues with his digestive system and small body. We met him and his mom, a local family, when they were transferred to Cottage Hospital from UCLA after being there for 2 weeks where he underwent an emergency surgery immediately after birth for his anorectal malformation.

Eider’s underlying challenge was to get to his gestational age and weight but that was overshadowed by the gastrointestinal issues from which he suffered. Most babies born at 28 weeks will stay another 10-12 weeks in the hospital. However, after 3 months at Cottage and gastrointestinal issues that would not resolve, he was transferred back to UCLA where he would stay another 3 months. Eider’s mom stayed with her first born every day that he was in the hospital, rarely going home. And unfortunately, that was over 6 months living in 2 different hospitals and he continues to have episodes that cause his return.

Hearts Aligned has been on this journey with his mom, working with his social workers both at Cottage and UCLA hospitals. We provided her with gas and grocery cards as she’s been living out of town and in hospitals for over 6 months. We provided needed household items such as a mini refrigerator, changing table and diapers. We helped mom obtain Eider’s birth certificate which was lost in the shuffle of being at different hospitals. We also linked her to Mother’s Helpers for baby items and LEAP for food and diapers. Working with these local organizations helps ease the stress the families are feeling.

Your donations go towards supporting Eider and his mom, and the many other families that have a critically ill child. You can continue to help by making a donation today.

Donate

North County Case Manager

Welcome Maria Silva

We are excited to introduce you to our new North County Case Manager, Maria Silva. Maria has been working in the non-profit sector for the past 4 years. She has worked with Orfalea Early Learning Center, Cathedral Oaks Preschool and CommUnify. She is a Santa Barbara native who attended San Marcos and Dos Pueblos High Schools. She recently earned her Associate’s Degree at Santa Barbara City College and will be completing her Bachelor’s Degree at Cal State Channel Islands in the coming year.

Having a critically ill child herself, Maria understands the challenges our families face. Her son was born with a congenital heart defect, leading to significant time spent in hospitals. Her personal experiences provide her with a deep understanding and help her connect more effectively with the families we serve.

Maria joined Hearts Aligned in May and immediately made an impact. She is actively working with our clients in Santa Maria and Lompoc and has forged new connections with other organizations in North County to better assist our clients. We are grateful to have her on our team and make a positive impact in our community!