Charlottesville, Virginia
IN HONOR OF WESLEY
IN MEMORY OF RILEY
SWEET PEA ADVOCATE: BRIAN THOMAS
EMAIL: BRIANTHOMAS@PROJECTSWEETPEAS.COM
HOSPITALS SERVED:
UVA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
SERVICES:
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NICU CARE PACKAGES
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HOLIDAY PACKAGES/GIFTS
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BEREAVEMENT MEMORY BOXES
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MILESTONE BADGE KIT PROGRAM
Inspire hope by making a donation or by setting up a peer fundraiser to support Charlottesville, Virginia NICU families.
Meet Sweet Pea Advocate
Brian Thomas
“You’re going to be a dad!” few phrases in life that both excite and terrify like that short phrase. When we heard it for the first time, our world shifted as we prepared for the big changes coming in just nine short months. Our excitement doubled when we discovered we were expecting twins! Suddenly, everything escalated – from planning for two cribs and two car seats (wait, that is 4 carseats...) to anticipating the joys and challenges ahead. We envisioned trips, milestones, and a wonderful future with our boy and girl, alongside a happy, healthy mom and one proud dad.
“They want me to go to the hospital” I remember where I was sitting when my wife called and told me her OB wanted her to go to the hospital. After an emergency transport to the nearest level three NICU our son and daughter were born prematurely at 23 weeks and 6 days. Wesley was born weighing 1 lb. 7.6 ounces, Riley was born weighing 1 lb. 5.5 ounces. Our lives changed.
In the days that followed, we watched our tiny son and daughter fight for their lives. On the third day, we faced an unimaginable loss as our little girl, Riley, succumbed to complications from a brain bleed. Wesley continued to battle through 133 more days in the NICU, a journey marked by both progress and setbacks. Each small victory was tempered with new challenges, and every moment of hope was clouded with uncertainty.
Finally, just before Christmas, we were able to bring Wesley home. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving behind the place that had been Riley’s only home. Wesley came home on oxygen, with a pulse oximeter to monitor him, but by the time the weather warmed, he was tube-free.
Today, Wesley is 6 years old and has just finished 1st grade. On the outside, he is a happy, healthy boy.
To the doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists who saved his life every day, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Our mission now is to support parents navigating the NICU journey. We want to raise awareness of the struggles and triumphs within the NICU and honor the heroes in scrubs who show up every day. You are not alone – keep going, we see you.