Participant Stories
Luigina and Kaitlyn
Queens, New York
Tiny in size but powerful in spirit, Kaitliyn is a joyful baby girl who loves to make her mother, Luigina, laugh. Despite spending the first few weeks of her life in the NICU, Kaitlyn has developed a cheerful personality characterized by a love for all things talking and smiling. It brings Luigina much happiness to see that her daughter is always in such high spirits, particularly given the circumstances of Kaitlyn’s birth.
Luigina was seven months pregnant when she had an unexpected emergency c-section to deliver her daughter, Kaitlyn. During a routine visit with her doctor, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and immediately admitted to the hospital where she was induced and later gave birth to her first child. Because Kaitlyn arrived prematurely, she had to spend 22 days in the NICU receiving around the clock care.
Luigina is grateful that support from The Bridge Project arrived when it did. It was only one month after joining the program that Luigina learned she would have emergency surgery to save her and her baby’s life. Believing she had more time left in her pregnancy to continue working and saving, Luigina had yet to purchase any clothes or supplies that Kaitlyn would need. Once Kaitlyn arrived and was admitted to the NICU, Luigina knew she would not be able to return back to work or school while her daughter was still in the hospital. Thankfully, funds from The Bridge Project supported both Luigina and Kaitlyn in their recovery and allowed Luigina to purchase everything that Kaitlyn would need, including a crib, diapers, and clothing. Most importantly, the cash allowed Luigina to stay at home and care for her baby during the first five months of her life, helping Luigina and Kaitlyn to form a precious and close bond to one another.
Today, Kaitlyn and Luigina are both strong, happy, and healthy. Luigina continues to take care of her daughter, while also working and pursuing her Associate’s Degree in Health Science. Kaitlyn continues to smile on and provide her mom with her own version of support via encouraging babbles of affirmation!