Hi, my name is Darcy, Madi’s mom. Two weeks after an unexpected rupture, losing all amniotic fluid, sweet Madi Reese made her silent entrance into this world much too soon on August 30, 2022. She was a tiny little peanut, weighing just 5.5 oz and measuring 7.5 inches long. But wow-she was BEAUTIFULLY created! We had no idea that someone so small could be so incredibly perfect.

Madi was delivered at Methodist Women’s Hospital in Omaha, NE. Losing her was the most traumatic thing we’ve ever experienced, the pain of saying hello and goodbye will never go away. Yet five months later, as we reflect, we’re filled with peace and love. We received the most comforting and compassionate care during the darkest days. For that we’re forever grateful.

On January 25th, Madi’s due date, Justin and I visited the hospital to say thank you. We also asked, how can we help? We wanted to leave a little bit of Madi to honor her memory, supporting other families going through the unimaginable.

The answer: A “Mini” Caring Cradle.

The day of Madi’s delivery, I journaled: “I’ve been able to spend the day snuggling her and it has been amazing. I’ll forever treasure this time with her. We’re so in love.” I was only able to write this due to using the Caring Cradle. The Caring Cradle is a cooling cradle designed for babies who have passed, giving their families time with them. The Caring Cradle gave us treasured time with Madi. Time for us to physically love on her. Time we’d not have had without it. Time that was gifted to us by Ellis. I saw his sweet name on the cradle. I’ll never forget it.

The Caring Cradle Madi used was designed for full-term infants, like Ellis. Her sweet little body was swallowed in it. In October they released a “mini”. One that is specifically designed for pre-term babies. It can be bedside, which would have been amazing.

The hospital has one on their wishlist and when we asked “how can we help”, they shared the release of the “mini” asking if we’d like to donate towards one. I’d love to do more than that. I’d love to gift one, from Madi. Madi’s gift. The gift of extra time.

For that, we ask for your help. Any gift, large or small will go towards Madi’s Gift of a “Mini” Caring Cradle to be purchased for Methodist Women’s Hospital in Madi’s name.

We’re utilizing GoFund me for the simplicity of sharing. However, Methodist has an online giving form that you can use to make a gift - https://methodisthospitalfoundation.org/donate-today . Please enter Madi’s name in the on-behalf of box and the gift will be made in memory of her and go towards the cradle.

Please note- many of you shared gifts of love in Madi’s memory in September. We have that and plan to share towards this as well. So please do not feel obligated to donate again.

From our hearts to yours, thank you. To our sweet girl- we love you.

~The Madi Reese Family