The Season of Giving

The last two days, Campbell County Health has been pleasantly surprised with gifts for the Campbell County Memorial Hospital Maternal Child department from people in our community.

First, Gloria Blohm, mother to Delora Schmidt, CCMH House Supervisor, created these lovely Angel Dresses for families who experience the unthinkable—the loss of an infant at birth. Gloria took pieces from donated wedding dresses to make special outfits for these infants to help provide comfort and support to patients at a very difficult time.

Then, Kellie Conroy swung by to drop off some infant beanies she purchased at Wal-Mart to the department to give away to patients during the colder months.

Finally, today, some hand crocheted octopus shaped soothers were delivered to the unit courtesy of Phyllis Jassek and several other volunteers in our community. Sam Schell, RN, who works on the Maternal Child unit, had learned about these soothers via the Octopus for a Preemie Project, which helps ease discomfort of premature infants. The crocheted octopus shaped soother is about the size of a large pear and the tentacles emulate the umbilical cord. It is very common for preemies to have tubes and other things attached to them that become irritating. The octopus tentacle is placed in the infant's hands and has proven to sooth and comfort the baby.

“The nurses really like using the octopus on our tiny patients because it keeps the tubes from being pulled out," says Sam.

Sam initially reached out to the Project to get on a list for donations; however, she learned that the demand was quite high—especially in larger areas. So, she recruited local volunteers to help create the same soother.

Phyllis spends about two hours on each octopus and has received cotton thread and Poly Fill donations to keep up with the demand. There are specific colors and materials that need to be used for the octopus to be safe for the infant.

Thanks to everyone in the Campbell County, Wyoming community for their generosity the last two days.