"My son James was born on August 11, 2005. At his birth, he become acidotic; his body was not using the oxygen in the air that he was breathing the way that it should. He did not turn pink in spite of his hearty crying and the oxygen that the perinatologist administered. He was taken from the delivery room to the NICU of Frankford-Torresdale Hospital and it was hours before I saw him again and held him for the first time. One of the most shocking moments of my life was the first time I saw him in the NICU, with an I.V. line in the back of his tiny hand, his arm strapped to a board, and various monitor leads running from his naked body to huge machines that surrounded and towered over his bassinet. The only human touch in all that efficient metal and plastic was the little blue and white quilt that one of your members had made, that lay over him. It was a comforting reminder that underneath it all was my cherished, much-anticipated baby, and of all the bright and happy things to come once the crisis was over. It was a symbol of hope. James is home now. The bruises from the I.V. and all the heel sticks are fading, and he is a quiet, contented baby, healthy and indulged (as all babies should be). He appears to have no long-term effects from the problems he had after his birth. We have truly been blessed to have him with us. The little quilt he used in the NICU hangs at the head of his bed and will eventually be made into a pillow. Thank you, for reaching out to us at a time when we very much needed to be reminded that the bad time would pass. God bless all of you for bringing comfort and hope to those of us who need it."

Troop 1785, Freedom Valley Girl Scouts, of Holland, PA, recently made and distributed quilts with Quilts for Kids. Here is what they thought of the experience:

"Volunteering for Quilts for Kids is an experience that I will never forget. I never realized how such a simple gift as a homemade quilt could bring such happiness to a child. I went to St. Christopher's Hospital and saw the kids. I understood what the time I put into quilting was all about. I am so glad to have been given the opportunity to make someone as delighted and thankful for something I provided."~Kelly Young

"Being involved with the Quilts for Kids program was a great experience. It made me realize that I was really doing something worthwhile that could help children with sicknesses. It was also very fun and enjoyable to learn how to quilt. And it made me feel good when I donated the quilt I made." ~Alli Collins

"Being involved in Quilts for Kids has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Quilting is a skill I will have for the rest of my life and I'm glad I could put this skill to use. Knowing that something I made with my own two hands has comforted a sick child is an amazing feeling." ~Nicole Brady

"Making a homemade quilt for Quilts for Kids to donate to St. Christopher's Hospital has been one of the most rewarding and touching projects I have ever done. I am so happy that a sick child will receive my quilt and maybe it can bring a little comfort and happiness." ~Stephanie Collins

22-year-old Kristen Cepluch faces difficult times, but she keeps fighting and waiting for a miracle...

"Thank you so much to the quilter who made my own very special quilt! It is sooooo cute and certainly works out well for me in my wheelchair, as well as in bed, etc. It is also all dolphin and is soooooooo sweet! I just absolutely love it more than anything and I will be sure to cherish it forever.........

Well........ I am sad to say this, but I am slowly getting worse, as I have more brain atrophy than ever, but like you said previously, with all of the new technology changes, I also try to keep my hope and faith that one day, there will be a miracle that takes place in my life! I am still a fighter throughout it all though, and this blanket helps me sooooooo much!

Thanks so much again, as my "gift" is greatly appreciated beyond words!,
Kristen Marie Cepluch"