Caiden’s Hope
Applications currently suspeded but will resume when funds are available.
The Heart behind Caiden’s Hope Foundation
Caiden’s Hope Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting parents of premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. Our mission is to provide financial support to families during their stay in the hospital. We understand that having a premature infant can be a difficult and stressful time, and we are here to help. Our vision is to ensure that no family is alone during this journey, and that they have the resources they need to personally care for their precious gift from God.
Ed Call and Wayne Keller had known each other and been close friends since the 8th grade in Copperas Cove, Texas. Ed was the best man at Wayne’s wedding and Wayne was Ed’s best man at his wedding. Over the years they have vacationed together, celebrated each other’s kids’ weddings, anniversaries and generally been great friends.
When Ed’s oldest daughter Jennifer was expecting everyone was excited!
One day around 7 months pregnant, Jennifer wasn’t feeling well and went home from work to take a nap. She told her roommate she didn’t feel well but that a nap would solve everything. Her roommate wasn’t so sure but didn’t know what to do so she called her mother who happened to be the receptionist at Jennifer’s doctor’s office. She explained the situation to Jennifer’s doctor and the doctor requested that Jennifer be examined immediately. Following her exam, Jennifer was admitted to the hospital where Caiden was born premature 5 days later 2 1/2 months early.
Caiden was immediately transferred 70 miles to Los Angeles’ UCLA Medical Center by ambulance, his grandparents Ed & Terry driving behind.
After Caiden was stabilized, Ed was able to secure a hotel for three nights until Jennifer was allowed to travel. Once Jennifer arrived, she never left. She remained by Caiden’s side for 2 1/2 months.
Everything that the family experienced during the next 2 1/2 months deeply touched Wayne and his wife Sharleen. Being 1500 miles away, they couldn’t really provide any meaningful help, but felt that God was pushing them to do something. After 6 months of thought and prayer, they realized that God had been asking them to take on the task of providing for other NICU parents…
and Caiden’s Hope Foundation was formed.
Fuel To Drive To The Hospital Daily
Caiden’s Hope Foundation understands the financial hardships that families face when going to the hospital several times a week. To help ease the burden, we offer a gas card program to help offset some of the costs of transportation.
Short-Term Lodging
Being a NICU parent is an exhausting and emotional journey. Caiden’s Hope works with hospital social services to provide short-term hotel accommodations for parents who need to be near their baby.
Bus / Subway / Train Transportation
If you’re a NICU parent in a large urban area, transportation to and from the hospital can be a stressful experience. Caiden’s Hope Foundation is here to help you. We can provide funding to purchase bus and subway transportation passes to make it easy for you to visit your child whenever you need to.
Healthy Meals
Don’t let a lack of resources limit your ability to eat healthily. Caiden’s Hope Foundation offers financial support to provide nutritious meals to families in need. We are committed to making it easier for parents to prioritize their health, so they can better take care of their families.
Parking
At Caiden’s Hope Foundation, we understand that parking expenses can add up, especially at some hospitals where rates can exceed $20 per day. That’s why we’re committed to offering support to eliminate parking costs for those who need it most.
Air Transportation
Caiden’s Hope Foundation is dedicated to supporting NICU parents by offering air travel, (Restrictions Apply).
Our mission is to help ease the burden on families by taking care of the logistics.