Local Heroes
Mom’s Foundation Supports NICU Families By Jackie Schatell
W
hen Elena Rivera, of Stirling, NJ, suffered the unbearable loss of one of her twins, Martina, when she went into labor at 24 weeks, she had to leave her son Dion in the NICU for four months. The trips back and forth and the visits took a toll on her mentally and financially. Noting her difficulty, the hospital provided her with food coupons and parking vouchers. She says that this kindness really helped her out during the dark time in her life. When she got home, she says she felt depressed and empty because of her loss and decided to fill the void by giving back. She created Martina’s Wish Foundation to provide the same type of services she was afforded at the hospital. The foundation supports NICU parents with financial need. It is funded by donations and fundraisers. Monies raised fund coupons and vouchers for food, parking, gas, and lodging. The foundation also helps families after discharge on an as needed basis with items such as diapers, formula, clothing, and fulfills requests made by families within reach. “A NICU stay is typically emotional, isolating, stressful and expensive,” says Elena. “Through individual and corporate donations, fundraisers and sponsorships, we help families pay for non-medical expenses related to frequent visits to see their babies and help them enjoy every precious moment they have with their children.” She says helping others “makes her feel great.” “Giving back is important. The kindness bestowed on me at my time of need helped me and I want to do the same for others. I just like to see people smile.”
Elena Rivera and her two children, Dion, 11, and Gabriella, 8
Elena was recently approached by Overlook and Morristown Medical Center to offer the services of her foundation to the NICUs there. She hopes to be up and running there shortly.
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Vicinity Magazine
March 2022
To donate or volunteer, please go to martinaswishfoundation.org or send an email to martinaswish@gmail.com.
