About Toys for Nicholas

On Nicholas' first birthday, I found myself thinking we would be buying "toys for Nicholas" if he were here with us. I went shopping and tried to focus on items that I felt he would have liked to have during his stay at Children's Hospital Medical Center (CHMC). I bought a few music tapes and crib toys. We donated them to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at CHMC on December 7th, what would have been his 1st birthday. The following year we asked family, friends and neighbors if they would like to make an infant toy donation to give in Nicholas' name. In 1998 we donated an estimated $300.00. To celebrate what would have been Nicholas' 3rd birthday, we also asked parishioners from our church, for donations. We were able to donate an estimated $1,900.00 that year! At this point I thought, "WOW, we really can make a difference!"

I never set out to change things but was compelled to continue collecting toys & support items due to the many people and situations that were presented to me. Because of these circumstances, I know in my heart that what we are doing is fulfilling Nicholas’ life purpose.

This past year, 2006 marked the 10 th anniversary of Nicholas’ birth. I would like to extend a huge heartfelt Thank You to everyone who supports us. Because of you The Toys for Nicholas organization has grown tremendously. We now donate to other local hospitals and reach out programs. To date we have delivered items totaling over $120,000.00.

A few years ago, I was inspired to raise funding for research projects which focus on congenital heart defects. I am also passionate about creating awareness about CHD’s and the devastating effect they have on babies, children and families. Most people do not realize that 1% of all live births result in CHD or that a congenital heart defect is the malformation of the heart. Many people also do not realize they occur more frequently than all childhood cancers combined yet three times the amount of research money is spent on cancer research than pediatric cardiology research. Congenital Heart Defects are also the most common form of birth defect and the leading cause of birth defect related death in babies under the age of 1.

The battles heart kids are faced with every day is more than what most people experience in a lifetime. Many of these kids are on heart meds which have adverse side effects, they suffer with developmental delays, learning disabilities, activity restrictions and uncertainty of life are just a few of the daily battles.

To date we have donated $46,345.67 for research projects that focus on congenital heart defects. A project titled “HOME SURVEILLANCE AND FEEDING STRATEGIES IN INFANTS WITH COMPLEX SINGLE VENTRICLE” which we are currently funding is saving lives!!!!

It was our dream, that one day, Nicholas' life will have helped save hundreds of others and that dream has become a reality.

We are currently raising funds for projects that focus on quality of life issues in children with CHD. With more research these kids will be able to lead normal healthy lives.

Sincerely,

Dodie D. Weisbrod
President
Toys for Nicholas

Board of Directors:

Medical Board of Advisors: