During our time at the hospital, I was able to talk with a lot of young couples that came from long distances. Just in talking with some of them, I found out that one couple didn't have the money to go to a hotel and they didn't even know about the social worker, and just through a conversation I found that they had their sleeping bags and were sleeping in an empty waiting room on the 8th floor.
Ed Call, Caiden's Grandfather
The Heart behind
Caiden's Hope Foundation
Caiden's Hope Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting parents of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. Our mission is to provide financial support to families during their stay in the hospital. We understand that having a premature infant can be a difficult and stressful time, and we are here to help. Our vision is to ensure that no family is alone during this journey, and that they have the resources they need to personally care for their precious gift from God.
Ed Call and Wayne Keller had known each other and been close friends since the 8th grade in Copperas Cove, Texas. Ed was the best man at Wayne's wedding and Wayne was Ed's best man at his wedding. Over the years they have vacationed together, celebrated each other's kids' weddings, anniversaries and generally been great friends.
When Ed's oldest daughter Jennifer was expecting everyone was excited!
One day around 7 months pregnant, Jennifer wasn't feeling well and went home from work to take a nap. She told her roommate she didn't feel well but that a nap would solve everything. Her roommate wasn't so sure but didn't know what to do so she called her mother who happened to be the receptionist at Jennifer's doctor's office. She explained the situation to Jennifer's doctor and the doctor requested that Jennifer be examined immediately. Following her exam, Jennifer was admitted to the hospital where Caiden was born premature 5 days later 2 1/2 months early.
Caiden was immediately transferred 70 miles to Los Angeles' UCLA Medical Center by ambulance, his grandparents Ed & Terry driving behind.
After Caiden was stabilized, Ed was able to secure a hotel for three nights until Jennifer was allowed to travel. Once Jennifer arrived, she never left. She remained by Caiden's side for 2 1/2 months.
Everything that the family experienced during the next 2 1/2 months deeply touched Wayne and his wife Sharleen. Being 1500 miles away, they couldn't really provide any meaningful help, but felt that God was pushing them to do something. After 6 months of thought and prayer, they realized that God had been asking them to take on the task of providing for other NICU parents...
and Caiden's Hope Foundation was formed.
Caiden
His delivery doctor said he wouldn't live past two months. Caiden will be entering High School in the fall of 2024. Praise God!