Our misson
To provide support to families and kids battling congenital heart defects and ECMO at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.
The diagnosis and journey that comes with a congenital heart defect will trigger a variety of emotions and a multitude of questions, yet may offer only a few definitive answers. It can take a structured and organized family and flip their world upside down into disarray and daily uncertainty. It has the ability to turn joyous and contagious smiles into uncontrollable and endless tears. It has the capacity to knock down a strong and confident adult into what feels like an extremely vulnerable and helpless child.
But most of all, it has the power to open your eyes and educate you on the widespread impact that congenital heart defects have on families. It may seem like a lonely journey, but it is important for us to let those families know that they are not alone!
About Bella Bags
The Bella Bag is a gift of love from our foundation to families that have a newborn baby in the hospital battling congenital heart defects. All of the items in the bag provide comfort and essentials to the family as they begin what can often be a long stay in the hospital. Some families receive their diagnosis early and are prepared, while others may not find out the severity of the defect until after their child is born. Regardless of the situation, the Bella Bag has a significant place for these families as they try and find a home for all of their belongings. In addition to the convenience of having a bag for their own personal items, the Bella Bag also includes a homemade fleece blanket, triple insulated water bottle for hot/cold drinks, toiletry kits, coloring books, and a mini snuggle buddy for the tiniest of patients.
Our goal: To build a simple bag of essentials that will generate comforting smiles for CHD families, especially moms and dads!