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, January 24, 2013

Leighton's Ride!

On May 18th, we will have the very first annual "Leighton's Ride" bike rally!  This will be an annual motorcycle ride that will benefit Leighton's Gift.  Right now we are still in the process of raising money for the camera system for THR - Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, and all proceeds this year will go directly to the hospital.  I know it's been a slow process, but I assure you the project is still moving forward (although slower than would like), and we still have the full support of THR and the hospital!  Everyone is still very excited and motivated about this project becoming a reality for the NICU that has such a special place in our hearts.

More about the ride!

Date: May 18, 2013
Time: The ride will begin at 9:30 am and registration will be at 9:00 am.
Location: Downtown Celina Sqare, in Celina, TX!

The ride will be approximately 100 miles and will go from Celina to Denison, through Tioga, and back to Celina.  "Loose Wheels" will be the Denison check point.  We are still in the early stages of all the planning and preparations, but we are hoping this will be a fun event that we will have for many years to come!  And don't worry if you are not a "Rider", there is a park, as well as several boutiques and restaraunts to explore and enjoy while the riders are gone!

I do not have registration forms prepared yet, but as soon as they are, I will have them posted!

More information to come as soon as it is available.  Thank you all so much for all of your supports and prayers.  We love and appreciate you more than you will ever know.

Thank you, and we hope to see you all soon at Leighton's Ride!



Amy

Ps.  Here is a picture of Jaxon!  He is getting so big!  He is the sweetest little boy.  He is doing wonderful!  Developmentally, he is right on track, and becoming such a ham!  We couldn't be more proud of this little guy.
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2 comments:

  1. Can't wait for this wonderful event!! And Jaxon just gets cuter everyday! Xxox!! Mlt

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  2. So glad you will be there :)

    ReplyDelete

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