Just a few weeks away until The Gift of Life Big Fund Raising Event! If you are traveling from out-of-town or you just want to enjoy waking up late after the big night, the Rosen Centre will have room blocks for 89.00/night when you mention that you are with The Gift of Life event. This offer will be good through 8/14/2014, after that you can still reserve your room, but it will be on a first come first serve basis, based on hotel availability. So if you know that you want to spend the night, reserve your room now, while the rooms are blocked for the event.
Centrally located on popular International Drive and connected to the Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Centre Hotel brings you within minutes of all the attractions and entertainment that make Orlando an exciting destination. In addition to being close to theme parks, shopping and world-class golf, Rosen Centre Hotel is just 12 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
Today’s spotlight is on Christine MacPhail, Orlando Harpist. Christine began playing the harp at age 6 and has been playing professionally in the Central Florida area for over 25 years. She enjoys playing a variety of music of all styles, from classical to contemporary, and always loves learning new songs and adapting them to the harp. When 27 Miracles interviewed Christine and asked why she wanted to get involved with The Gift of Life,her reply was ” I am honored to be helping Rosie to benefit A Story of Faith and Florida Hospital. The story of her son Kaleb is inspirational and would touch anyone’s heart. Rosie and the 27 Miracles Team are continually giving back to the community and I am privileged to be included at her charitable events.” Christine and her harp bless many in the Central Florida area by playing at weddings, charity events and more…..Her music is very inspiring. When Baby Kaleb was born, Christine made a cd for him that to date he still listens to before bed. The music was soothing to him during those long nights of hearing an oxygen concentrator all day and night. He became so used to Christine’s music that when she played at Kaleb’s baby dedication, he immediately turned his head to Christine’s music.
Today’s Spotlight of the Week is On Galuwi Art. When Rosie Moore of 27 Miracles Approached Gary one of the partners for Galuwi, he knew exactly what to do. We were contacted immediately to design the invitation that you see today for The Gift of Life and the event logo.
A Little bit about this team of creative people:
“GaLuWi Inc. is a custom print & photography studio fused with graphic art & design. We are unique and passionate about everything we do, in business and in life.
Our vision is to capture a moment-in-time with creative thinking and a camera lens. Our desire is to create a timeless image that will capture your full attention.
When you mix our passion for photography with our attention to detail and design abilities, amazing moments come to life. Whether you choose from one of our photography moments or one of your very own, we are happy to design something special for you.”
When we asked Galuwi Art why they wanted to work with 27 Miracles and The Gift of Life event that will benefit Florida Hospital for Children’s NICU department, they said :
“When GaLuWi Inc. heard about the challenges that Rosie had in pulling together resources to tell her story of faith, we were touched and decided to help in some small way using our graphic abilities. Community involvement is important to us and we only hope that Rosie’s efforts will inspire others to contribute in any way they possibly can. We all are busy with our daily lives but it is important to remember those that are in need and the struggles and challenges others may face. Bless the children and families that have these challenges with a small miracle of your own today. “Hugs to all” Sincerely GaLuWi Inc. ”
27 Miracles wants to recognize Andres Roque of Roque Productions. Andres and his team are no strangers to working and giving back to the community. That is in fact how Rosie Moore of 27 Miracles met Andres. She was in need of vendors to work at the 27 Miracles Christmas Extravaganza in downtown Winter Garden. Rosie did not know Andres but they met at a Bridal Show. When Rosie emailed vendors for assistance in this event, Andres was the first to say, I will help. This event was to raise funds and honor the Brides Against Breast Cancer, Toys for Tots and the Boys and Girls Club of Winter Garden. With over 400 plus people attending the event, the night was a success on that cold December 2, 2010 weeknight.
After that Roque Productions has worked with 27 Miracles on various other community events, weddings and Quinces. 27 Miracles’ clients are always happy with the stellar work that they perform.
When we asked Andres why do you do what you do for the community, his reply “If you have the opportunity to get involved with The Gift of Life event, I really encourage you to do so. Over the past 4 years, we have worked with Rosie and the 27 Miracles team on numerous events for great causes. They truly have their community’s best interest at heart and their drive to help others is admirable. We are all called to help our neighbor and the events put together by 27 Miracles have become a great way for us to do so. “
Roque Productions is in the business of “Making It Happen” for their clients. Since the beginning, CEO Andrés Roque, made it a point for his clients to feel valued and this carries through the company. From the planning process to the post event wrap-up, you’ll understand that they are driven to go beyond. Sure, there are lots of companies that provide similar services, but the difference in how they provide these services can only be experienced.
If you have not bought your ticket yet to The Gift of Life, click on the link to purchase now, during early bird sales.
27 Miracles brings you stories and blogs of their own but every once in awhile they will come across a story that will inspire and touch you. Today’s story is written by Journalist Kelley Benham for The Tampa Bay Times. It was also published at Huffington Post
Watch Kelly tell her story on video ….This story will bring you to tears as you see the amazing faith that her and her husband shared….If you have never experienced or seen a baby born premature, this will give you the reality of what it is. It is scary and will move your heart of compassion.
John Michael Events is no stranger to 27 Miracles. They have worked numerous weddings, events and fund-raisers together and when it came to the Gift of Life, they most graciously accepted. They will be the sponsors for our Volunteers and Vendors working The Gift of Life event on September 13 2014 at the Rosen Hotel!
A Little bit about John Michael Events….
John Michael Events has been serving Central Florida’s wedding and event planning needs since 1995. We make everything from scratch and only use fresh all natural and/or organic foods. We also limit the number of events we execute in any one day to provide a superior level of service and food quality. We believe in an all-inclusive and up-front philosophy where we will never surprise our clients with a bunch of add-on costs or hidden fees.
John Michael Events takes great pride in our community and giving back. 27 Miracles always goes above and beyond and it is our pleasure to help out with the Gift of Life event. It is for a wonderful cause and we encourage everyone to get involved! www.johnmichaelevents.com
“An unsung hero is a role model whose generous acts of compassion, strength, selflessness, perseverance and, quite possibly, sacrifice make a profound and positive difference on the course of history.”Lowell Milken Center
After the overwhelming response from readers that never knew he was a preemie and his dedication to this event, many became supporters of this very important fundraising event by purchasing tickets and becoming sponsors. You can visit our websitewww.astoryoffaith.comto obtain more details.
Today A Story of Faith and 27 Miracles want to bring you another story on one unsung hero. It is the daughter of Master Bridal Consultant Rosie Moore . After the initial shock that a teenager receives that mom is having a baby, that was the start of a whirlwind change in her young teen age life. Kayla was 14 yrs old when Kaleb was born at 27 weeks weighing only 1lb and 10 oz. A micropreemie born 13 weeks early. Life still had to go on for Kayla despite the fact that her baby brother was clinging to life in the NICU. Many days and nights of schedule changes, homework at the hospital, dinners out on the road and no family fun activities on the weekends due to trips to the hospital. But she quietly helped to be supportive, although never knowing what was really going on.
Life care coaches at the hospital brought Kayla in to see the baby for the very first time in November when he was a little more stable in the step down NICU. It was very shocking for a teen to see such a tiny baby all attached to wires and machines supporting his life. She was given the chance to hold him, but it was much to scary for her.
The weeks and months passed by and Kaleb was finally able to come home. Coming home, that is where more challenges came about. In March 2010, Kaleb came home to be on 18 different medication dosages, oxygen 24/7, apnea monitors at night, 2 types of breathing treatments every four hours, tube feedings every 3 hours, occupational, speech and physical therapists coming to the house daily, 2-3 drs appts every week. Wow life was definitely not normal here . Kayla started to see the care that was involved in taking care of Kaleb. Little by little she learned about his care and treatment.
In June 2010, Rosie, Marcus, Kayla and Baby Kaleb, planned a trip to visit Marcus’ family in NJ. Oh boy with all that Kaleb had going on, that sounds crazy. All the necessary permissions were obtained to carry equipment on the flight. Kaleb was weaned off the oxygen little by little so that he can sustain a 2 hour flight until he would be on the ground again to receive the oxygen. It was an interesting sight at the checkout counter with 8 carry on bags, 6 checked bags, stroller and car seat. For three people and a baby wow, but Kayla helped all the way through with taking care of him. She learned how to do his breathing treatments and how to do his tube feedings and administer his medications.
Today she is 19 years old and a college student at PBA studying Communications. She is today’s unsung hero as she turned 19 years old yesterday and we remember her today for stepping up to the plate and helping a difficult situation be an easier situation. Kayla helped to take care of Kaleb whenever her parents had to do a wedding or event or just needed some down time to rest or relax.
You too can be involved in the Gift of Life and Help with your donations, supporting the event with your attendance or becoming a sponsor. Contact 27 Miracles for more information on sponsoring 407-905-5454 or emailing at info@27miraclesbyrosie.com
Write us on our page why you should be the winner of attending this Black Tie Affair. Share your story with friends and family so they can vote for your story. The person with the most likes for their story on our page, will win the ticket, get their picture with our celebrity artist and win an autographed book A Story of Faith. Contest will go on until June 28 2014
An opportunity to help save lives and be of support to those parents enduring prematurity and the tireless staff that take care of these babies and make a difference!
You may say, I am single, or my baby is healthy or I am a wedding professional, or I am a guy, or I am a business person, none of this should interest me, why should I go?
But on the contrary, these are the future leaders of America.
Did you know that there are famous people that were born premature and made an impact in the world?
Most recently Time Magazine published an article on David Joyce, US House Representative for Ohio, Republican District 14
Read Time Magazine article and see the amazing story.
Here are some other famous premature babies:
See this article from Little Treasure’s Foundation
“Prematurity has always been part of the human experience and some babies who were born early have always been able to survive. We can find traces of illustrious prems in historical biographies – some whose prematurity is certain, thanks to precise records, and others for whom it can only be inferred because an infant was very small, or had some typical complication of prematurity. The following list includes only some of the most famous names imaginable:
Johannes Kepler:
German astronomer and mathematician. Born 1571. Lived 59 years. Estimated I.Q. 160. He had a bad start in life as he was a seven month baby and seven month babies were proverbially thought to be weak in body and mind. As he grew, however, his body became strong and his superior intellect evolved. He became the Principal Mathematician to the Emperor and a founder of modern astronomy and physics. He elucidated the Copernican concept of the Universe.
Sir Isaac Newton:
British mathematician, astronomer, and physicist. Born 1642. Lived 85 years. Estimated I.Q. 170. On Christmas Day in the house of Woolthrope, a three-pound baby, newly born, rested on a pillow near his mother. He was alive but fighting for breath. Frightened old midwives went for the doctor remarking, “The baby’s as good as dead. It’s a miracle if he lives until we get back. Such a tiny mite, he is.” Later Isaac would remember fondly his mother’s remark, “You were so tiny that you might have been put into a quart mug!” This tiny mite came to be known as one of the greatest scientific geniuses of all time.
Sir Winston Churchill:
British statesman. Born 1874. Lived 91 years. He was not expected to be born until sometime in January of the following year. He upset a ball by his early birth on November 30. He had good lungs, for the Duchess of Marlborough shook her head and observed, “I have myself given life of quite a number of infants-such an earth-shaking noise as this newborn baby made, I have never heard.”
Anna Pavlova:
Ballerina. Born 1885. Lived 46 years. As a premature infant she “. . . was so weak and puny that her parents had her baptized three days after birth. She spent most of her time in the next few months . . . wrapped in cotton wool.” She ultimately became and was proclaimed the worlds’s most famous ballerina.
Stevie Wonder (Stevland Morris ):
Singer, songwriter, producer. Born 1950. It is thought that he received excessive oxygen levels in his incubator which led to retinopathy of prematurity, a destructive ocular disorder affecting the retina, characterized by abnormal growth of blood vessels, scarring, and sometimes retinal detachment. Common among other prematurely born children in the 1940s and 50s, this is considered to be the ultimate cause of his blindness.
He has recorded more than 30 Top 10 hits, won 21 Grammy Awards (a record for a solo artist), also one for lifetime achievement, he has won an Oscar for Best Song and been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters halls of fame. Opera star Luciano Pavarotti once referred to him in a concert as a “great, great musical genius”.
Albert Einstein:
Physicist (Nobel Prize Winner 1921). Born in. Ulm, Germany, Mar. 14, 1870. Died Princeton, N.J., Apr. 18, 1955. He contributed more than any other scientist to the 20th-century vision of physical reality. At his birth, Albert’s mother was reputedly frightened that her infant’s head was so large and oddly shaped. His parents also worried about his intellectual development as a child due to his initial language delay and his lack of fluency until the age of nine, though he was one of the top students in his elementary school.
Charles Darwin:
British Naturalist: Born Feb 1809 in Shrewsbury, England. Died April 1882. He achieved lasting fame by convincing the scientific community that species develop over time from a common origin. He developed his interest in natural history while studying first medicine, then theology, at university. During Darwin’s lifetime many species and geographical features were given his name.
Infact, when the Beagle was surveying Australia in 1839, one of Darwin’s friend sighted a natural harbour which the ship’s captain named Port Darwin. The settlement of Palmerston founded there in 1869 was officially renamed Darwin in 1911. It became the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory, which also boasts Charles Darwin University and Charles Darwin National Park.
John Keats:
EnglishPoet. Born 31 Oct 1795. Died 23 Feb 1821. He was one of the principal poets of the English Romantic movement. He often felt himself working in the shadow of past poets, particularly Milton, Spenser and Shakespeare. Only towards the end of his life did he produce his most original and most memorable poems, including a series of odes that remain among the most popular poems in English.
Mark Twain:
Writer. Born Nov 1835. Died April 1910. Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, entered the world 2 months early, weighing only 5 pounds. It was 1835, a time when preemies could not be expected to live. In fact, his mother wrote, “A lady came in one day and said you don’t expect to raise that babe do you. I said I would try. But he was a poor looking object to raise.” Despite his premature birth, Mark Twain would live to become one of the most famous personalities in American literature.
Victor Hugo:
French Poet and Novelist. Born Feb 1802. Died May 1885. Although there is no positive proof that Victor Hugo was born prematurely, it is likely judging from several descriptions of his birth and infancy. His mother described him as “no longer than a knife.” in fact, it is said that Victor’s coffin was ordered from the carpenter at the same time as his cradle. He later told Alexandre Dumas that even at 15 months he could not hold his head erect. Like many preemies, Hugo was determined to live and make his mark on society. he went on to become one of the greatest writers of all time as well as a major figure in French politics. His best-known works are the novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Jean-Jacques Rousseau:
French writer and philosopher. Born 1712. Died July 1778. Rousseau was born almost dead and infact his mother died nine days after giving birth due to complications from childbirth.
He saw a fundamental divide between society and human nature. Rousseau contended that man was good-by nature, when in the state of nature (the state of all other animals, and the condition humankind was in before the creation of civilization and society), but is corrupted by society. His political ideas greatly influenced the French Revolution, development of socialist theory and growth of nationalism.
Sidney Poitier:
Award winning actor, film director and activist. Born Feb 1927. He was born on the high seas. As he was premature when he was born, he was not originally expected to survive the boat ride. His early career started out in Broadway and broke into Hollywood in the 1955 film Blackboard Jungle. He was the first male black actor to be nominated for an Academy Award and first to have won an academy award for Best Actor. He has directed several film with the most successful being “Stir Crazy”.
These are just a few names. Other famous premature babies include Napolean Bonaparte (French Emperor), Voltaire (French writer and philosopher), Renoir (Impressionist painter), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German poet, dramatist and novelist), Thomas Hobbes (English philosopher), Michael J Fox (American actor), Mark and Carol Thatcher (twins of UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher).
Major sources of information:
Premature Babies UK, Neonatology on the Web, Wikepedia, The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies – Linden, Paroli and Doron”
So now that we gave you the history of prematurity and how these people impacted our society, you can see the importance of being involved in the Gift of Life to help the NICU.