Our Story

Leighton Sophie Taylor and Jaxon Cohen were born on May 26, 2011. At only 28 weeks they were tiny little fighters who amazed us on so many levels from the very beginning. After one week they were both off of CPap, and after 2 weeks both were doing well enough to no longer need additional oxygen as well! We just knew we were on our way to taking home our healthy miracles! Our world was rocked at 12:30 am on June 16th. That is when we received the call that Leighton had an unusually high fever for a preemie. It was determined that she had Late Onset Group B Strep (GBS). The infection was so quick to take over her little body that she was in the arms of Jesus within 48 hours.
The rules in the NICU are very strict. FOR GOOD REASON! These little ones are fragile and need to have limited visitors and stimulation. However, one of the hardest things as a family, was knowing that no one ever got to meet our sweet angel. Even though she was only 3 weeks old, she had her own spunky personality. She always looked our way when we were there. She would kick her little foot over to us and shake it back and forth. She would "hum" (just like her twin brother still does) when we held her. These are just a few of the things that we wish everyone could have seen. "Leighton's Gift" IS going to make sure that happens for other families from the very beginning! There are so many milestones met in the NICU that will be able to be viewed through Leighton's Gift. Families will have the opportunity to view IN REAL TIME, these milestone's (first bath, diaper changes, feedings, cuddle time, etc.). Eventually, parents will also be able to talk/sing to their precious ones through a "one-way" audio element that is also in the works. We pray that this project will help make families who are faced with a child in the NICU feel more connected and comfortable when they are not able to be there in person.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Exciting news!

It looks like we are getting so close to installing Leighton's Gift!!!  There will be one major change though.  Instead of using NicView, Texas Health Resources has decided that the Peek-a-Boo camera system will be better for them.  A very generous family has donated a large sum of money to the THR Dallas location to develop software that will be specifically designed for THR hospital use.  What this means for THR Plano (Presby Plano), is that all of the money that has been donated for Leighton's Gift will go directly to purchasing the hardware (camera's and equipment), and of course the yearly service costs that will be ongoing.  THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!  We were at a meeting and saw a live picture of the video stream and it was amazing!!!!  Parents and families will be able to view their baby (babies) from their computer, iPhone, iPad...etc.
What is also exciting is that eventually moms and dads will also be able to talk to their babies via one-way audio!  That's right, our sweet babies will be able to hear our voices.  This will be so important for parents to bond with their little ones.  They have specialist working to make sure that sound is kept to a minimal level that is safe and comforting for the babies.  Perfecting all these little details mean that the audio portion may not go live at the same time as cameras.  We are just over the moon excited that Leighton's Gift is all coming together!!!  More news to come as soon as I have it :)  I will also be posting budget information.  Where we are vs. what we still need to make this dream a reality.  What an amazing birthday gift we are going to have for our sweet Leighton, to be able to make this happen in her memory.
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2 comments:

  1. Hi Skaggs Family! My sister just shared the link to your blog with me. I can't stop crying! This is such an amazing thing that you are doing and providing for families. Word can't express the emotions I have right now!! My son was born at 25 weeks 1 day. He is now a 3 1/2 year old wild child. We have been preparing for the March of Dimes walk this weekend so I have been thinking a lot about our 3 month NICU stay. What I would have given to have this when my son was in the NICU. Thank you so very much! What a great honor for your sweet Leighton.
    Mandy Brown

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  2. Thank you so much Mandy. I'm so glad to hear your son is doing well! We are also doing the March of Dimes walk this weekend :) It makes me feel so fulfilled to know that Leighton will be able to make so many people have comfort in feeling closer to their little ones. Thank you for reading the blog :)

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