Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fed Ex Shipping Sponsorship continued

I am so happy that so many of our blog readers have commented on the Fed-Ex post. I have just heard that there are people within Fed-Ex reading the blog! Our voices are being heard!

One question I've recently been asked is "Why does Anaya need the breastmilk?" The answer has two parts.

Anaya has infantile Krabbe Leukodystrophy, her symptoms onset at age 4 months. It is a demyelinating condition that has taken away the motor skills section of her brain. At 5 months she could no longer suck and swallow at the breast without choking. She was given a feeding tube to ensure her nutritional requirements were met. I got a very good breast pump and pumped my milk for her- but the stress of having found out my baby is expected to die, coupled with no longer having my babe nursing at the breast drasticly reduced my milk supply. We tried to supplement with formula. Her reaction was immediate. She would vomit, have diarrhea and was losing weight. We tried all types. She showed intolerance to all of them.

At this point a couple of friends of mine with babies offered to give some of their milk to Anaya. Then I wrote about it on the blog, then the newspaper wrote about it, then we had a strong response from the Nelson and area community. We were able to switch her back to a breast milk only diet. The response was amazing. Anaya's health stabilized and she started gaining weight.

I later spoke on the phone with an expert on Krabbe, Dr. Escolar in North Carolina. She told me that if Anaya was taking formula it would have a negative impact due to a conflict with her secretion management medicine, scopalimine. I was told that the combination of the two would result in constipation and possible impaction of the bowel. She said the reason Anaya is doing so well on the scopalimine is because of the properties of breastmilk that give it a laxative effect, while maintaining high nutrient absorbtion.

Since then we have struggled to find a consistant supply. I still pump every day - which I have been doing for 9 months, but my supply has never increased. It gradually fades away. Now I get only enough for 1 feeding per day. She needs 8.

Frozen milk donations of large quantity have been our saving grace. When our fresh donations supply falls short, we have a back up. But we use it everyday and when we get low the panic sinks in. Will we have enough? So far we have squeeked by - but with Moms from all over wanting to send us their frozen milk we would definately have enough - if only we could get it here.

Anaya is a special gift. Her presence has touched so many people. Her struggles and successess are lessons to us all. I'd like her to stay healthy, keep growing, and stay alive as long as she's able.

Please help us Fed Ex. It's a matter of life and health.

32 comments:

  1. FedEx - Please, Please, Please help. I was one of the "Milky Mom's" who donated breastmilk to Anaya. I gave my son one formula bottle a day so I could pump one bottle a day for Anaya. My son no longer nurses, therefor I no longer help to supply Anaya .... and it pains me everyday when I hear that Camara is struggling to get fresh milk for Anaya. With your shipping sponsorship you would be helping out this family in need TREMENDOUSLY!!!!! There are so many people that are friends with this wonderful family and there are many, many, many more that read this blog and follow Anaya's special life. FedEx, if you would sponsor Anaya, I will ALWAYS use your company for my shipping needs!!!!

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  2. There is no need for this child to starve. She has been through enough. If there are people out there that will donate the milk, then there has to be a way to get it to her, it's as simple as that. I hope you get all the support you need for this.

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  3. I am praying for your baby girl and your family. I wish I had breast milk to give you - but with the help of FedEx you will have so many mommas who want to help! She is so beautiful and so lucky to have you as her mom.

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  4. I'm so glad you have so many moms donating their milk to you. I'm thrilled by the outpouring of help and hope it keeps on coming in for you. Fex Ex, please sponsor this family so Anaya can get her milk.

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  5. I'm so sorry that your family is going through this :(
    I wish I could help (I'm pregnant, and nursing but the supply is NOT there, I can help in a few months) and will continue to follow your blog!

    Thinking of your family!

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  6. With the help of Fed ex I would definetly help with the donation of breast milk. I have a 3 month old as well as a 3 year old. I can only imagine how hard it would be for you. I hope you reach as many nursing mothers as possible that are willing to donate. with the help of fed ex it would make it easier to donate.

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  7. The donations of breast milk from mom's all over will be such a blessing to little Anaya. I hope this all works out and Fed Ex agrees to sponsor the shipments.
    xo
    Kim

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  8. Are there any future arrangements for transport of milk from Vancouver Island (Comox Valley)? I would like to try to help out and send along some milk for Anaya if there is any means of transport set up from here..

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  9. FedEx please help!! If this sponsorship happens I can start pumping and freezing for a shipment for this little angel girl!!!

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  10. My hopes and prayers are with your beautiful daughter Anaya, and to you her family. I wish that I had breast milk to help you out myself, but know that all the wonderful mom's in the area are doing their best to help you out! I sure hope that Fed Ex sponsers you as soon as possible! We use Fed Ex for all of our shipping needs and I know that they are a great company who will help you out!

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  11. Free shipping would be such an enormous help for this family. I sincerley hope FED EX makes it happen!!

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  12. April I'm in Victoria. I'm nursing two so I'm not entirely sure I will have enough to pump but I'm going to try. I know someone else in your area who is hoping to pump some too. Hopefully FedEx will get on board too!

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  13. FED EX, I would ship breastmilk if if this sponsorship happens too! Please help them!!

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  14. FED EX - Please, Pounce all over this opportunity to help out!

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  15. What a great opportunity for a company to step up and help this family in need....I can't think of a better sponsorship for a company to take on. To quote FedEx's own website "FedEx is committed to actively supporting the communities we serve through strategic investment of our people, resources and network. Our corporate resources include financial contributions, in-kind charitable shipping services and volunteer services by our team members" The aid you provide worldwide is a testament of your company's generosity and kindness...now I hope you will step up and show the same for one of our own here at home.
    Juanita

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  16. Fed ex please help save the life of this beautiful child. Her survival could be in your hands

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  17. Please Fed Ex, help this family! In a world that has so many failings, please make a bright spot! Camara, what a beautiful little girl you have, and how far away would you be shipping in milk? I would also love to contribute when you get sponsored. It brings me to tears to see how you persevere for your little one!

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  18. this mother, this child, this family need your help fed ex...it is so easy to say yes to things that are insignificant like boss can i have the day off....make a significant choice and say yes to Camara..she is a beautiful soul inside and out and anaya reminds us each day that doing things for others makes a huge difference in their lives, she needs your help...please ...humanity needs a kick in the butt..

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  19. If there is any family deserving of sponsorship by Fedex, it is this one. Camara is a most caring woman with such a high spirit and drive. It is amazing what she has endured, and continues to push with all her might.
    In order to make it in this time, us humans must act when people reach for help. Anaya needs this support! Please sponsor this family Fedex!

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  20. I agree, Fedex this is the most amazing opportunity for a great company to help out a wonderful family.
    I may well have Mums able to help in my area, if we can just get it from Calgary to BC!
    Come on Fedex, please act now!!!

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  21. Fedex please do what you can to help this beautiful baby. Anaya deserves to live. Please help. Camara stay strong, you are an inspiration:)

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  22. Fedex please do what you can to help this beautiful baby. Anaya deserves to live. Please help. Camara stay strong, you are an inspiration:)

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  23. I truly hope that Fedex comes through for you! They should definitely be able to take this opportunity to reach out and help! Much love!

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  24. Please Fedex help this baby ! If you can help I would hope that you would help ! Please help ! This beautiful baby girl survive :) !

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  25. Feded please help this little girl. She is so precious.

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  26. Really hope a big corperation as big as fedex would find it in there best intrest to help a little girl in need.... Hope things go your way

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  27. Yes yes fed ex! be counted amongst those giving sweet Anaya love! xoxo

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  28. My prayers go out to you and your family for a full recovery for baby Anaya.Have you try asking ups,if they would help in the delivery of all breast milk supplys....

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  29. i am currently pumping milks for baby anaya but cant afford to ship it to her. i live in nanaimo please fed ex help us get this baby the food she needs to live... i live on vancouver island. please fed ex help a child change the world!!!!!!!!!

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  30. "FedEx delivers peace of mind".

    That is the opening line on their webpage. It certainly seems that shipping the required breast milk to provide to Anaya would bring many people "peace of mind". I hope the company finds the compassion required to assist a little angel in BC.

    God bless Anaya and her family.

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  31. Dear FedEx. This family needs as many angels as the higher powers can give at the moment. Please be one of those angels. Please help Anaya receive the shipments of breast milk she needs to survive that so many good hearted mothers are willing to send.
    If you look at it, it is a small effort on your behalf to make a HUGE difference in someones life. Help spread the good karma thank you!
    -Joey-

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  32. FedEx, please help this family! I am expecting my first in December, and have been looking around to find places to donate once our breastfeeding relationship is established. I'd love to help if the sponsorship comes through
    -angelina, Oakland,CA US

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:)