Monday, March 23, 2009

GIVE-A-WAY

As most of you know, I have decided to have this giveaway in hopes of spreading the word on CHD awareness. Our 7 month old daughter, Bentley, was diagnosed with a CHD (congenital heart defect) when she was just 2 days old. It is called Tetralogy of Fallot and she will need open heart surgery in order to survive. Bentley will be having her surgery in less than 2 months. You can read the beginning of Bentley's journey here. There are several different types of CHD's.. many are life threatening and all are life long journeys. Meet Bentley...



GIVE-A-WAY DETAILS:
Starts today.. ends this Friday, March 27! Anyone can enter.. I will be giving away the 3 burp rags you see pictured to 1 person. One is pink chenille and leopard print, the second is pink chenille and zebra print, and the third is pink chenille and brown with pink polka dots (In the future I will will have a give-a-way for boy burp rags). These are great for your little girl or to give away as a gift, so you do not have to have a child or a girl to enter. My daughter has many of these and we get stopped everywhere we go, people just love them! I have no idea how many people will enter.. so at this moment I plan on giving 1 set of 3 burp rags to 1 person. But if there are a lot that enter then I will give more away. So keep checking back for updates on this post. You have until March 27 to enter. I will post winner(s) on Saturday, March 28. Anyone can enter, you do not have to have a blog to comment.

HOW TO ENTER:
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. It does not have to be about anything specific.. just leave a comment and your name will be entered ONE time. Want to increase your chances? If you leave a comment AND post about this giveaway on your blog then I will enter your name FIVE times.. just make sure you tell me in your comment that you did blog about this giveaway so I know to add your name five times. You do not need a blog to enter, anyone can leave a comment.

Here a few CHD facts..
  • Congenital heart defects are the #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 100 babies is born with a CHD.
  • Congenital heart defects are the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths.
  • Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of all infant deaths in the United States.
  • Each year approximately 40,000 babies are born in the United States with a congenital heart defect. thousands of them will not reach their first birthday and thousands more die before they reach adulthood.

*** I am not asking you to donate anything. This is strictly for awareness, not donations. I wanted to add the below contact because it is not well known like other organizations. My heart baby is 7 months old and sadly I just now found out where to donate for CHD. There are many heart organizations but none support children. And that breaks my heart after knowing the facts above and knowing what my child will go through.

I know all to well how times right now can be financially difficult, so do not feel like you have to, but if you would like to make a donation for CHD research, you can do so here at The Children's Heart Foundation. I just wanted to put that out there because it is not well known like other organizations are.

Like I have said before I wish I could donate, but we have a huge stack of medical bills of our own that seem to keep growing. So I thought I would make burp rags and baby bibs to send to the hospital Bentley will be having her surgery at.. I would like for them to hand them out to CHD patients as well as any other patients during their stay. I know these families are going through a very difficult time and I just hope that I can give them a tiny smile during there journey. With that said I have already had a few comments and emails of people being interested in doing the same. If you are one of these people, please email me and I will send you information on how we can make this happen!

I will end this here, sorry it is so long.. this is just too near and dear to my heart to not speak out about. But thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and being apart of something so special to us. And thank you to all of you who are praying for Bentley and our family. There are just not enough words to tell you how grateful we are for you and your prayers.

56 comments:

  1. I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK! I would if I could, but finances are tight.

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are sooo cute. I think its a great way to spread the word. I will be posting about this on my blog as well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think what you are doing is great!!!!! and you are super talented

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think there adorable...I posted on my blog about it for you :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great idea and I posted on my blog as well!! You have been on my mind a great deal for the last 24 hours. You have inspired me to become more involved in CHD awareness--THANK YOU!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for doing this. My hubby is a cardiologist so heart issues/awareness are close to my heart. I will post about this on my blog to hopefully raise awareness.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Im DEF re-posting this on my blog for you. I know how expensive things can get with medical issues, with Audree being in the NICU for 1 month it was outrageous!!! I am praying her surgery goes well. Were here for you!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great idea!! I would love to have them to pass on to my precious niece (the first girl in my family in 24 yrs)!! I am praying for your family and for Bentley's recovery! God Bless and I'll post this on my blog as well!

    ReplyDelete
  9. soo fun that you made those! yeah for you!! Love all the updates below.. Ive missed reading your blog.. your kids are just the cutest! such a beautiful family you have!
    i would love to enter in the contest and I will continute to send my prayers your way:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi there...you know how I love giveaways! So much fun. I'll be posting about your giveaway on my blog later today when I get a chance! The burp cloths are super cute! You should make some to sell, for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow count me in!
    Have a great week!
    Carla
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Crystal...that was me Veronica from the Veronica Blog (verandthegirls.blogspot.com) posting a little bit ago as "Hooked On You." I'm working on starting a blog just for my hats today. The blog's gonna be called Hooked on You. I realized after I posted that it posted as my blog title. Anyways...just wanted to clarify that in case you were like, who was that, LOL.

    Talk to you later!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Are you kidding? I wish I could do more than to pray for Bentley. The burprags are darling, do you make them? Of course I'd like to enter the contest, but I'd be happy to purchase some and donate to help with some of your stacking bills. Love to you all!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I just checked in on your blog from Kelly's Korner to add your daughter to my prayer list. Lucky for me I found this great giveaway. I have 3 daughters and these would be so cute for my littlest one!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I forgot to mention that I blogged about this!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh la la.... VERY SASSY!!! Me like!

    ReplyDelete
  17. So cute Crystal! You have talent! I posted this on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Crystal - I just sent you a personal email about 10 minutes ago. I just wanted to let you know that I am new to your blog and that we will be praying for your precious baby girl. Our 1st daughter was born 8 weeks premature but has been thriving ever since..she will turn 4 in May. Our 2nd daughter, Liberty was born with a very rare genetic disorder - the first known case in the world..she was with us for 5 months and 3 days..she is now our little angel. Our 3rd daughter Cheyenne was born 9 months later. She has a heart condition as well - so your blog really touches home to us. One thing has never ever changed through all of the trials and triumphs - God! God is the same today as He will be tomorrow - what a blessing we have in HIM! I know that there are so many other precious mommies out there who could desperately use these adorable burp cloths, who might not be able to afford them right now due to layoff's and what not - so please don't feel obligated to enter my family into the give away - but please know that we will be spreading the word and asking for more and more prayers..

    Holding you close to my heart..

    In His loving grace,
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  19. I've seen your button around but hadn't stopped over until tonight. I just want for you to know that I will be keeping Benley in my prayers! I'm going to keep up with you all and continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers if you don't mind :) Your daughter is just precious!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Those are adorable!! I have 3 friends due soon and only 1 is having a girl. Perfect for her!
    Thanks for the chance.

    sunup928 at yahoo dot com


    praying for Bentley

    ReplyDelete
  21. http://noslenfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/give-away.html

    I put a post on one of my blogs

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Crystal...finally got to posting about your giveaway on my blog tonight. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Crystal - I don't have a daughter but these are so beautiful! I can't wait till the boy give away comes out. I'm working on a post for tomorrow that will have a link to your blog. I'll be posting it on facebook and twitter as well...

    ReplyDelete
  24. They look really nice.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow... What an Idea.. Love it and I am continuing to pray for you all.. God bless!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Praying for miss Bentley! I love the burp cloths, they would be great for my new neice coming this June :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm new to your blog.. Ran across it today - became a follower and added sweet lil miss Bentley to my prayers. We wish you the absoulute best. You are such a strong woman and I admire that. God bless you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Crystal,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I just posted about Bentley and am praying for her daily. My husband is an adult cardiologist. He sees some hard cases and heart issues are very important to us. I'm glad that Bentley has a mommy like you who wants to raise awareness about the issue. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello, I am new to your blog. I will be praying for your little girl, Bently!! I have posted to my blog!!

    http://houstonhouserules.blogspot.com/

    Thanks for the opportunity!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Adorable! Great idea!! I will continue to keep Bentley in my prayers. She is such a precious little angel.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I learned of your baby through my daughter Jenn's post. I will keep your baby and your family in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The burp rags are too cute and I would love to be entered in the drawing. I have a friend whose son was born with a heart defect and has had open heart surgery several times in his short 4 years of life. He's now a happy and growing little boy. I'll continue to pray for your baby girl. She is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  33. My aunt was born with a congenital heart defect 25 years ago when little was known about this condition. She has always been at the leading edge of the technology and has had 4 open heart surgeries. She is now 25 and is doing wonderful, in fact she is now 17 weeks pregnant and is doing better than ever. There are absolutely no problems with the pregnancy and her heart is handling it perfectly. There is so much hope out there for your little Bentley. My family and I will pray for her :-)

    I will post your giveaway on my blog :-) Thank you so much

    ReplyDelete
  34. The burp cloths are so cute! We will be saying many prayers for your precious Bentley and your family!

    I am going to my blog to spread the word!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Jenn sent me over from her blog. We will be praying for Bentley and your whole family. God is good, and I'm so thankful he listens to our prayers!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. thank you for spreading awareness as well as this great giveaway. those are darling! i'm thinking about you daily and your beautiful baby.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Crystal~

    Let's see, I am a foster mom in the state I live. I have had many foster kids that have over come some very big medical milestones, including CHD. Some minor, some major. I have been reading your blog for a while now and I have enjoyed getting to read other people's blogs that are linked to yours. I fell in love with Bentley's and your family. You truly are blessed.

    I know your a busy momma but if you enjoy reading there is a book called Walk on Water; Inside an elite pediatric surgical unit. This book is about Pediatric Heart Surgeon Roger Mee and Johnathon Drummond Webb(sadly took his own life. Great book, I chose to do my final nursing paper on CHD after reading this book.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love the burp cloths! We just found out we are having a girl in August! They would be perfect! Your little one will be in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love the burb cloths! Prayers and hugs are being sent to you! Love the graphics too!
    Jamie Harris

    ReplyDelete
  40. You are very talented. Bentley and your family will stay in our prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  41. The burp cloths are adorable!
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  42. The burp cloths are so cute. I've been following several other blogs of familys with little ones with heart defects. Will be praying for Miss Bentley now too.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you so much for all that you do!! Love the button and I'm so excited to explore your site some more! :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Did I leave a comment?? I think this is a fabulous idea and I LOVE the button you made for Stellan.. so adorable. My heart aches for them.

    We're praying for Bentley as I know it's coming up on her surgery. We'll be going to LA in the next few weeks to meet with the transplant Dr.'s and I will have them send some info over to Texas Childrens so we can talk with the Dr.'s over there and see what they have to offer. I was told that some transplant centers won't work with kiddos like Owen with the risky antibody issue... we'll find out soon.

    Thanks again for all the info!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love the burp clothes and am praying for your daughter!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I will pray for your family. I just found your blog through another reader and am looking forward to reading your story.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cute blog! I am praying for your daughter!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love the burp clothes..so cute...I am praying for your sweet daughter and your whole family.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Oh I forgot to add that I am going to add this to my blog..

    ReplyDelete
  50. Please know that your precious Bentley along with your emtire family will be added to my prayers. I LOVE the burp rags...keeping my fingers crossed!!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great job!! A special friend of mine will also be having heart surgery in 3 weeks. Her daughter is 2 months old and it is heart breaking to fathom what you mothers, fathers, etc are going through....God Bless you

    ReplyDelete
  52. Crystal,

    Her condition is Coarctation of the Aorta. The largest vessel in her body (the aorta) has a narrow area that is severe and will need surgical intervention. You can read her blog at 'wisersworld.blogspot.com'. Keep them in your prayers as well. They struggled with infertility to have this baby girl. We will continue to keep Bentley in our prayers....love her name by the way!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I will be praying for Bentley! Such a cutie and a beautiful name!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Your daughter is adorable! You are doing such a wonderful thing for her cause their need to be more mothers like you out there! Your daughter will be in my prayers always. The burp cloths are adorable.
    Nicole Freas

    ReplyDelete
  55. I have been following Bentley's story through Kelly's blog. I pray that everything will work out. God bless!!
    Heather at vsummerf@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. We are praying for Bentley and her recovery!

    ReplyDelete
Related Posts with Thumbnails