Feature Story
KLRC's 3 Christmas Wishes
(Nominations for Christmas Wish are now closed.)
Our 3rd Christmas Wish family is Rob & Melissa and their son Niko.
A few years ago, Rob and Melissa decided to try to have another child. After several miscarriages, Melissa gave birth to Elizabeth Ann on June 15, 2011. Elizabeth was born with a heart defect and spent her entire short life in Arkansas Children's Hospital. Even though Rob and Melissa lost their sweet girl, the 100 days that Elizabeth spent in Children's Hospital were a blessing to everyone that encountered this family. The doctors, nurses, family, and friends were (and continue to be) amazed at their faith and their strength. Each day, Rob and Melissa would pick out a pair of fancy socks and a beautiful hair bow for Elizabeth. Little did they realize that this would be quite an attraction! The doctors and nurses would stop by Elizabeth's room just to see what she was wearing! Rob and Melissa used these opportunities to share their faith with so many of the staff members.
After Elizabeth passed away, Melissa couldn't allow Elizabeth's life to just slip away. She wanted to make it count for everything she could. So, Melissa began making shirts for babies at Children's Hospital. Due to the number of wires, tubes, and monitors that these babies require, they can't wear anything that can be purchased in a store. Melissa chooses the materials with which she constructs the shirts with a first-hand knowledge of what can and can't be used. They meet all of the doctor and nurse requirements as well as those of any testing equipment such as X-rays. There isn't anything like this on the market for these babies. Many of the babies born with heart conditions are born to families that simply couldn't afford to purchase something like these shirts even if they were available. Further, many of these families are unaware of any issues until their baby is born. Few families are prepared for what they will be facing. These shirts are a precious gift because they encourage families to interact with their babies in a way that would be similar to what they would experience at home. You can't imagine how much something as simple as being able to dress your baby can mean!
Once a month, Melissa gathers a group of ladies together to cut fabric, sew shirts, and make blankets. These are in turn given to families at Children's Hospital that find themselves in a position similar to theirs. Although Melissa has accepted many donations of the materials used to make these items, anything she needs that hasn't been donated is an expense that she incurs. She also incurs the expense of driving to Little Rock to drop off the donation. While she's there, she is blessing the families that will receive these gifts as well as the staff.
Rob and Melissa are experiencing some difficulties right now. They bought a used car this summer. In the last few weeks, the block cracked. So, they need a new motor for their car. This vehicle is vital for Melissa to go back and forth to work and for making the deliveries to Children's Hospital. There is a bigger need for it, however. Rob has battled with kidney issues for a long time. His kidneys are getting worse. He will begin dialysis in January and will soon be evaluated for a kidney transplant.
Even though losing their sweet baby girl was the most terrible thing that they could have ever imagined, they refuse to allow themselves to be negative. They are so uplifting and encouraging to others!!!! They miss their little Elizabeth beyond anything that words can express. But, they use her life to bless so many people. I have never witnessed anyone so dedicated to ensuring that their child's life is a basis for bringing others the knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
One of the biggest needs for them is prayer. They need prayers for Rob’s health, strength to get through his treatments, wisdom for the doctors, for Niko’s upcoming graduation and college plans, for safe travels for the family, and for God’s comfort during these trying times.
Melissa's ministry for Children's Hospital is in need of fabric and sewing supplies. Fabric should be baby cotton prints and solids for shirts, fleece for blankets, flannel for bed sheets and receiving blankets, soft stretch knits for hats. They could also use; plastic snaps, narrow ribbon, and thread. Fabrics need to be new and unwashed and free of pet hair and odors. Gift cards to places like Hobby Lobby and JoAnn would also be helpful. You can see more about this ministry here: http://www.nwadm.blogspot.com/
They could also use gas cards to pay for travel to Little Rock to Children’s Hospital for their ministry and also for travel for Rob’s medical appointments.
Melissa’s car needs a new motor which has been estimated to be about $3,800. Rob recently required work on his vehicle as well.
Rob will need to have about $600 to pay for the surgery on his arm to prepare him for dialysis.
Their son Niko wears a size XL shirt. He loves football, especially the Dallas Cowboys. He would love Cowboys shirts. He would also like a North Face jacket.
Melissa will have to miss work for some of Rob’s treatments and to care for him afterwards. So, money or help with rent, utilities, and other financial needs would be a tremendous blessing.
Are you interested in donating items or services to assist this family? Please contact us using the form below to let us know how you can help, and we'll get in touch with you as soon as possible!
