Special Hugs Project

[diane {Shawns mom}]

 

hug (h g)

v. hugged, hug·ging, hugs

 

v.tr.

1. To clasp or hold closely, especially in the arms, as in affection; embrace.

2. To hold fast to; CHERISH.

3. To stay close to.

v.intr.

To embrace or cling together closely.

The MAS (Molly's Adopt A Sailor) started to see wounded troops and their information coming our way through the website & the idea of the Special Hugs Project was born.  If there are troops who are wounded or injured, they are in need of encouragement & support, too! 

Every project has a story and here is how we came to form & support Special Hugs:

An Army Chaplain at a Combat Hospital in Afghanistan asked us if we could send some cards and snacks to the wounded in January 2011.  Of course we wanted to support them!  Working with the Chaplain, we developed a plan to send something to remind them of home every month.  We’ve done pancake breakfasts, sent cups of soup and instant oatmeal, provided movie nights, sent pillows, provided the fixings for S’mores, even sent a live Christmas tree, and much, much more over the months that followed.

Then our contacts disappeared ...  We had to find new ones!  And, quickly!  Quickly evaporated ...

BUT, then 2 Massachusetts Navy Moms found a surgeon/emergency medicine physician who had recently returned from A’stan.  They met him for lunch and to chat about Special Hugs.  He was impressed with & proud of what we’re doing.  So, on a leap of faith, he was asked to be our “medical advisor” which he immediately & proudly accepted!  It has taken 7-1/2 long months of very hard work to get a new POC in place.

Special Hugs is very fortunate to have Dr. Jim to help and advise us.  He was the vital link in finding our new POC, LCMR Ron!

Each month (will try) Special Hugs will announce a new “Mission”.  Special Hugs “Missions” will consist of shipping only the items requested, & the monthly mission will change.

Our “We Stitch Love Project” will continue to provide and keep track of the number of pillowcases (the kind stitched with LOVE) for each mission, as needed.  It’s our gift to them. ♥  Patients take them with them once they leave the hospital. So, if you are stitching or decorating pillowcases, please contact [e-mail]. Someone will be in touch.

 

 

SPECIAL HUGS

 Carol received this message below....

Please if you can  help out this month-not to interfere with the monthly adoption & shipping-please do!...

They NEED OUR SUPPORT!!! That is all they ask..So let's do it...JUST DO IT

 

"if we could just help with 1 or 2"..WOW, they do NOT know WHO WE ARE....come MOMs.....get into formation and MOVE it..♥  

 

Molly’s Adopt A Sailor

Special Hugs

September Mission

 

 

September has arrived in the sandbox and with it somewhat cooler weather.

 

Our POC has informed me that they are in desperate need of some pillows.  Whatever we can send will be put to immediate use!!  They will also need twin size blankets (extra long twin, if you can find them).

 

Last month we sent pillowcases for female patients; however, their supply of pillowcases to be given to patients when they leave is depleted, except for females.

 

Since we are sending new pillows and blankets, let’s mix it up a bit by making it a special movie night as well.  They could really use a few newly released movies!!

 

So our mission – should you choose to accept it – is going to be a cozy one!

 

Just picture the scene, patients tucked into their beds with nice new pillows, warm, cozy blankets watching a movie and eating some movie type snacks (popcorn, candy, and jello or pudding cups for those on a soft diet).  Doesn’t it warm your heart?

 

Shipping will take place between October 7 – 10

 

 

. Shipping can be done any day this month but not to interfere with our regular shipping

The addresses for the hospitals are being posted in “We Ship Love” and will be updated as we obtain information from our POCs. 

*link for Special Hugs Labels

*  SHLABELS%5B1%5D.docx 

 

**Peanut butter and jelly (packed separately due to possible allergies)  

[Pat L. in IL]

Lauren, There are several editions and I bought the paper on Sat. night. So the article was in the "Early Edition", Section 1, Page 29, entitled "Battling Through Treatment." If you read the article, toward the end a new product is mentioned called "blast boxers" (blast-resistant underwear). This protects genitals and femoral arteries. Developed by the Brits. Why don't OUR troops have them??????

[Dana]

Wow Pat.  Can you scan it and share.  Incredible!

[Pat L. in IL]

It's a whole page, too big to scan, Dana. Go back a page and see where I told Carol that she can find it. (In later editions, they changed the name of the article!)

[lauren]

when i search "military amputees"they tell me no results....but I'm not giving up

I think they have had blast boxers for awhile ....sad

[Kimmy P]

Lauren, Search for the name of the article "After severe war injuries, a new battlefield." I tried to post the link, but N4M is has been giving me trouble the last few days and wouln't let me. I hope this helps!!

[Vickie - Rooney's mom]

Pat,

I saw that article too, I'm just not sure which paper it was in. 

[lauren]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/la-me-0507-marine-injury-20110...

thanks all

here is the link

[carols_kitchen]

Unbelievable.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

OMG...that article has me in tears!!  What do you think the chances are of a 58 yr old RN getting into the military?  Oh, how I wish I could start my life over again.  I'd have gone to college for nursing as an 18 yr old instead of 38, married & w/2 sons.  I know they do it now, but not in my generation.

I may have to call the VA Hospital in Boston and find out about volunteering.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I had a real reason to leave a comment and that is that I have 5 sets of soft, very light-weight cotton scrubs in pretty pastel colors.  Also 5 journals and pens. Looking to get some magazines. Will hopefully finish off the cards and letters today & tomorrow - 5 cards and 5 letters.  All frilly, girlie notepaper and cards. I thought they could just hold them until they need them.  I do have more scrubs, but will hold off for a while.  Also some that are heavier weight & fun w/holiday themes for colder weather.  Would LOVE it if all our troops were home before that long!  Tammy maybe your contact can let you know when they need more.  Since I can't go back to nursing (got hurt) I will rescue them from the plastic storage container & send them where they could be used.  Hopefully the package will go out next week.

[MomByHeart]

My first ever box is packed and ready to go to Dwyer.  Oatmeal, magazines, gum, 2 bottles shower gel (all I had), crackers, and 42 handmade "Get Well" cards for the patients.  I even got my 13 yr. old "I don't like anything" child to help sign personal notes in some of the cards!

My sailor is a corpsman, just a few months younger than the one mentioned in the article and credited for helping save the soldier's life...all choked up and so glad I have the privilege to support this hospital.  An extra tidbit...a young man from  my very small town was KIA in A-stan in the Kandahar region two weeks ago...I bet the others wounded with him went through Dwyer...

[Susan mom to Niko]

Oh mombyheart...  sending big hugs your way!  Thank your son for his service...  being a corpsman and the first one to reach those in such pain...  ohhh words cannot say enough. 

 

If it is possible please private message me the KIA families address...  I would like to send them a card.