Happy New Year!

On behalf of everyone at Yasminah's Gift Of Hope, I would like to personally wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year for 2013. 

Thank you to each and every one of our 5285 supporters for your likes, comments, shares and help spreading awareness and offering support to families across Australia and the World. Your love, ongoing support and generosity truly touches our hearts and we can never thank you enough in words for simply being here and sharing Yasminah's Gift of Hope. You are a part of our family, our story and we hope that you will continue to share and support Yasminah's Gift Of Hope in 2013. We have so many new hopes and dreams to strengthen and extend our support services and break the silence on Premature Birth, Pregnancy and Infant Loss. This year we were able to help well over 1500 families across Australia. A bittersweet number, but only possible because of your support.

Yasminah's Gift of Hope is a 100% voluntary organisation. We currently have 49 volunteers who all dedicate their time to helping others, many in memory of their loved one. Please send your love and thanks to each and every volunteer. They are the true heart and soul of YGOH and become a part of our family, a friend. Each volunteer brings a significant contribution towards creating a Gift Of Hope and offering support to families during a time of need. You should all be so proud of your achievements. Keep up the amazing work and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your passion, commitment and support. Your help is always valued and deeply appreciated.

2012 has been a tremendous year for us at Yasminah's Gift Of Hope. We celebrated our 2nd year as a charitable organisation, Yasminah's 3rd birthday, our most productive Journals For June, our first Pregnancy, Baby and Children's Expo, our first Butterfly Garden Ball and 2 Rainbow Babies for the Yasminah's Gift Of Hope family - Nyah and Lincoln and there are a few Rainbow Babies on the way due in 2013! We welcomed our Official Ambassador Haley Bracken and are forever grateful for her beautiful inspiring video created to spread awareness and for her love and dedication towards the cause. Thank you Haley ( Haley Bracken (Official)

45,000 babies are admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care or Special Care each year across Australia

3 - 4 children out of every 100 born will have a Congenital Abnormality, Malformation or birth defect

1 in 4 Pregnancies in Australia end in Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Neonatal Loss

6 babies are Stillborn each day in Australia

Each one of these families needs our support and a Gift Of Hope. I have personally sent 63 families a Gift of Hope this year, hand delivered over 250 Gift's Of Hope to my local hospitals in NSW and sent a further 824 Gifts Of Hope to Hospitals across Australia. Our Hospital Liaison officers have sent many more Gifts of Hope to their local hospitals, volunteers have decorated journals, hand knit booties, beanies and blankets and sent scrapbooking material to help. I'm overwhelmed at the kindness, love and generosity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Yasminah's Gift Of Hope aim to provide a safe, supportive community for families to share their thoughts, feelings and personal experiences without judgement. We currently support over 378 families across 10 different support groups. Each in their own stage of grief, hope, peace and understanding.

To the families who gave birth prematurely in 2012, Congratulations on the safe albeit early arrival of your child. We hope for those of you who are still in Neonatal Intensive Care, Special Care or Pediatric Care that you find some time to enjoy the small things and be with those you love. We know how hard it is not having the New Year you envisioned but hope that you will be home together as a family in 2013. Gain strength, stay healthy and keep smiling :)

To the families who lost a child this year, the year before last or many years ago we are thinking of you all. We know how your arms ache to hold your child, how the tears will silently fall as the clock strikes midnight. Instead of thinking of it as another year away from the time you were with your child, think of all the beautiful memories and joy they brought you - when you found out you were pregnant, the first ultrasound, the first time your felt your baby kick or have the hiccups, the moment they were born. Each families journey is unique and individual to their own experience. Whilst some of us know the pain and heartache you feel, and share similar thoughts and feelings your child's memory is your own. You are never alone, there is always someone to lean on for support and understanding. Please take care and go gently so you can continue to heal emotionally and physically.

My thoughts are with some very special families that are always in my thoughts - Gerry Tye, Andrea Clare Bishop, Daniel Morcombe Foundation (official page)l, RIP Jill Meagher and the families from Sandy Hook Elementary School.

I wish you all hope for 2013, strength for the days ahead, love for the families that will give birth prematurely or experience the heartbreak of losing a child in 2013, peace for everyone, and a year full of life's abundant blessings and most of all good health and happiness!

I'd also like to thank my husband and my 3 children Zach, Aisha and Aaliyah. I love you all very much and know that Yasminah is always with us in spirit until we meet again. Thank you for standing beside me this past year and supporting me. Love you lots xx

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

I'm a strong person but...

As we approach Yasminah's 3rd Birthday ~26 March~ I am feeling the weight and pain of her loss but also the beauty and gift of her incredibly brief but precious life. The memories, the joy, the happiness she has brought us and how much her little Gift Of Hope has helped others.

Im a strong person, but I feel the sadness creeping in, as I try to hold everything together in what is going to be a very busy and emotional week ahead. Im eternally thankful for the beautiful people who surround me with their love, friendship and support. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Gift Of Hope for Amelia Grace

A Gift Of Hope for Linda and Raymond

Amelia Grace McGowen was born the 14th August 2010

Sadly Amelia lost her fight for life on the 21st November 2010

As I write this Linda is currently 22 weeks pregnant with her Rainbow Baby a little boy Stig McGowen Due the 2nd October 2011

Wishing Linda and Raymond Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Gift Of Hope for Princess Lilli

A Gift Of Hope for Rachael and her family

On the 15th June 2008, the Blaxell family were blessed with the birth of their sweet little girl Lilli Eileen Blaxell weighing 6 pds 11oz

Sadly on the 21st November 2008 Rachael awoke to find her daughter Lilli face down in her cot. After 2 autopsy reports it showed that Lilli was a perfectly healthy baby and her death was attributed to SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Rachael honours her daughters memory by raising funds for SIDS and Kids
You can support her efforts by visiting
http://www.facebook.com/sids.kids.princess.lilli

Wishing the Blaxell family Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Gift Of Hope for Joshua Hancock

A Gift Of Hope for Joshua Hancock

Joshua was born premature

Sending the Hancock family

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

A Gift Of Hope for Riley James and Marley James

A Gift of Hope for Melissa and her family

Melissa's twins Riley James Lane and Marley James Lane were born at 23 weeks gestation on the 28th October 2009

Riley James was born first at 10pm weighing 680g and sadly passed away 1 hour and 55 minutes later at 11:55pm in his parents arms

Marley James was born 8 minutes after his big brother at 10:08pm weighing 550g. Marley fought long and hard but sadly joined his brother and passed away on the 27th November at 7:25pm

Sending Melissa and her family

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Melissa is holding a fundraiser for Yasminah's Gift Of Hope next Wednesday on Wear Green For Premature Babies and Children's Day for L'il Aussie Prems an organisation very close to our hearts who personally supported me during the premature birth of my twins who we are now proud to work in conjunction with supporting Premature Babies and their families

Gift Of Hope Giveaway

Considering this month is Yasminah's Birth Month, I have decided to give the birthday presents to you, a Gift Of Hope for our loyal and supportive fans. You have helped get YGOH where it is today and also given me so much personal support that I would like to give you something to show how grateful I am for your support and friendship.

Because it is coming up to Yasminah's 2nd Birthday/Angelversary I will be giving away 2 prizes.

First prize will be a Custom Made Gift Of Hope - including a personalised journal, and the runner up will have a butterfly released in honour of their loved one at our Yasminah's 2nd Birthday Family Butterfly Release on Saturday 26th March

If you would like to enter this giveaway you have 3 chances to win. Please leave a comment here on the blog with your loved ones name, or you can leave a comment on our main facebook page or our facebook auction page.

Winners will be chosen by random.

Good luck and thank you for your continued support!

Gift Of Hope for Danielle

A Gift Of Hope for Danielle's family

Danielle was born a few weeks ago with a terminal brain tumor.

I personally received a request late Tuesday afternoon for a Gift Of Hope to be sent directly to this family, so they can have all the love and support they need around them, as well as a chance to record some beautiful memories and create keepsakes of their time together.

Sending the family

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Know that you are not alone, there are many people who sympathise so deeply with you.
We hope your Gift Of Hope will provide you with some comfort during this time.

With Love YGOH

Gift Of Hope for Alexzander McConville

A Gift Of Hope for Melinda, Pat and Edward McConville with love from your friends the Smyths

Alexzander McConville was born premature at 29 weeks gestation on the 4th June 2010, weighing 1.1kg and 38cm long. Alexzander and another Gift Of Hope recipient Jacinda Smyth were neighbours for 86 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They fought NEC and CMV together and multiple infections. Sadly Alexzander passed away on the 30th September 2010 after 119 days of courageous fighting

Sending Melinda, Pat and Edward

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Melinda, Pat and Edward you were a huge part of the Jacinda and the Smyths life during their hospital stay and you will never be forgotten

Gift Of Hope for Jade Harmony Pedley

A Gift Of Hope for Jaala and David Pedley with love from your friend Despina

Jade Harmony Pedley was born on the 1st February 2011, several weeks premature 1 day after the devastating Queensland Floods

Sending Jaala and David

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

and Strength to get through the journey of NICU

Gift Of Hope for Marlon Kevin Boi

A Gift Of Hope for Courtney, Thierry and Big Brother Keenan

Marlon Kevin Boi was born at 24 weeks and 4 days

on the 24th January 2011, weighing 828grams

Sending Courtney, Thierry and Keenan

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

as well as strength to get through the journey of the NICU

Gift Of Hope for Alexandra Charlotte Blue

A Gift Of Hope for Gavin and Kelly

Alexandra Charlotte Blue was born sleeping at 33 weeks on the 9th of April 2006

Sending Gavin, Kelly, and their three sons

Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Thank you Gavin for all that you give back to the community, because of your own heartache and the loss of your daughter Alexandra. I wish I had known about the wonderful work Heartfelt can provide families when Yasminah was born sleeping and will do what I can to make sure that every family knows about Heartfelt. I am forever grateful for your support for Yasminah's Gift Of Hope and friendship. You and the wonderful team of photographers behind Heartfelt provide the most precious gift of all, providing families who will travel this road and join this club no one asks to join, with photographic memories of their precious child.

For more information on Heartfelt please see their website http://www.heartfelt.org.au/

Erin Carmody New Vice President YGOH

We are delighted to share that Erin Carmody is the New Vice President of Yasminah's Gift Of Hope Incorporated.

Erin and her husband Michael recently experienced the devastating, neonatal loss of their son Aiden. Erin and myself connected through a mutual friend. I personally offered Erin my support and understanding, as well as a Gift Of Hope. Erin and her family and friends have donated Gifts of Hope in memory of Aiden for other families to receive but she wanted to do more.

This is Aiden's Custom Made Gift Of Hope

Erin knows personally what a difference A Gift Of Hope can make to a family and the support YGOH can provide from one parent to another who knows exactly what they are going through following the premature birth or loss of their child.

Erin graciously accepted the challenging role of Vice President, even after I bombarded her with the responsibilities of the Vice President role and our current projects. Erin has drive and passion, with a kind, caring nature and the commitment required to fulfill this role. She is the perfect addition to our family.

Please welcome Erin to YGOH's family. We will be updating our website to reflect these changes over the coming weeks. Erin will also be adding her own personal touch to our Gift Of Hope and sharing her story of Aiden.

I would like to personally thank her from the bottom of my heart for her passion and commitment to helping provide families with support, understanding and a Gift Of Hope.

Sending you Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Gift Of Hope for Levi Asher Simpson

A gift of Hope for Dimity, Paul and their two older sons

with love from their friends Miriam and Marc

Levi Asher Simpson was born sleeping at 26 weeks on the 11th February 2011 weighing 840g and measuring 32cm long

Sending the Simpson family Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

at this difficult time

Gift Of Hope for Jacob and Olivia White

Jacob White was born sleeping at 15 weeks on the 18th September 2009

The following year his family had another child, Olivia Paige White who was born at 25 weeks and 1 day on 24th August 2010 weighing 754g and measuring 32cm long. Olivia spent 57 days in ICU and 24 in Special Care. Olivia is now 5 months old (6.5 weeks corrected) and has Chronic Lung Disease so is currently on oxygen 24 hours a day.

Sending the White family Hope, Light, Love and Happiness

Custom Made Journals

I have always kept a journal, but never realised how many I actually owned.

I own a lot of them and these are just the ones I found in my studio!

Each one is about a different moment in my life. Dating my now husband, planning our wedding and trying to conceive our first child.


The ones that had the most impact on my life were Yasminah's pregnancy journal and Aisha and Aaliyah's journals through NICU.


Yasminah's journal is still something that I only occasionally open up to read. There is raw emotion, memories and pain sprawled across the pages. The days following her death, were very dark filled with questions, anger, tears, and feelings of loneliness, depression and helplessness. But writing my way through my grief, three things were very clear. The profound love I have for my child, hope for the future and support from those around me.

Writing is often used in grief counselling, particurly refelective writing. Studies show that reflective writing after the loss of a loved one, can positvely impact on reducing emotional abuse and self harm.

Reflective Writing is a practice in which the writer describes a real or imaginal scene, event, interaction, passing thought, memory, or observation in either essay or poetic form, adding a personal reflection on the meaning of the item or incident, thought, feeling, emotion, or situation in his or her life. Many reflective writers keep in mind guiding questions,
such as "What did I notice?" "How has this changed me?" or "What might I have done differently?"

Thus, the focus is on writing that is not merely descriptive. The writer doesn’t just hit the replay button; rather, he or she revisits the scene to note details and emotions, reflect on meaning, examine what went well or revealed a need for additional learning, and relate what transpired to the rest of life

So whilst our journals are pretty to look at, they also have a pratical meaning, they are a Gift Of Hope. A way to help families heal through reflective writing. Most importantly it provides families with a place to record the memories of their precious child.

The first custom made journal I made was sent to a family who just lost their second child, a little boy who lost his life in NICU.

A simple blue and white journal with a single white flower embellishment and three words

Live, Laugh, Love

It was Wednesday the 26th May 2010, exactly 1 year and 2 months after we lost Yasminah.