Sometimes NorthernStar milk donors start as milk recipients while their baby is in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). That's part of baby Thomas' story; he spent 28 days in the NICU at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary. He and his mum Bebe then gave back to so many other families when she became a milk donor herself! From 2022 Mrs. Calgary:
"I chose Northern Star Mothers Milk Bank as my charity platform because my son was born prematurely 5.5 weeks in June 2021. During this time, he received human donor milk, and I am so eternally grateful. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to be able to donate milk to help support other families. Thomas is now 16 months old and has been walking for a few months. Here are some fall photos of Thomas in his eat local onesie. Thank you for everything you do."
- Bebe Chapman, Mrs. Calgary 2022
Bebe was one of our guest speakers at our inaugural annual charity golf classic fundraiser Boobs Save Lives. She spoke about what it meant to her to have access to donor milk for Thomas, who was born 5.5 weeks early. Giving back to so many families with her precious milk once her supply was established was such an incredible gift.
Thank you, Bebe (& Thomas!) for your generosity and for raising awareness for the milk bank as part of your work as Mrs. Calgary!
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