ADVOCATES FOR FAMILIES OF PREMATURE BABIES

The Tiny Miracles Foundation”™s annual gala on May 6 in support of the organization”™s mission to support the families of premature babies in Fairfield and New Haven counties brought in $300,000.  

The annual gala welcomed nearly 200 guests to The Loading Dock in Stamford where guests enjoyed signature cocktails by The Vale Fox distillery and an elegant sit-down dinner by Abigail Kirsch catering.  

The event is the largest annual fundraiser for Tiny Miracles, which helps families whose babies will often spend weeks or months in neonatal intensive care because of their preterm birth. Their programs include one-on-one mentoring, educational resources and, in some cases, financial aid.  

“We”™re very grateful to the sponsors, donors and event guests for their generous support of Tiny Miracles and our programs, which help thousands of families every year,” said Tina Tison, executive director of The Tiny Miracles Foundation. 

The organization”™s Miracle Maker Awards, which honors individuals who share the organization”™s dedication to support families of premature babies in Southwestern Connecticut, honored two recipients:  

Réal and Tara Leclerc ”“ Parents of twins born at 28 weeks who have made a tangible difference in the lives of parents of premature babies in the community.

Meltem Seli, M.D. ”“ Attending neonatologist, Connecticut Children”™s Specialty Group, Nuvance Health at Norwalk and Danbury Hospitals and advocate for tiny patients and mental health of their parents. 

The Tiny Miracles Foundation was founded in 2004 by two local mothers of severely premature twins after they experienced the trauma and devastating impact of pre-term birth. Today, Tiny Miracles provides comprehensive support and assistance to the families of pre-term infants in 6 partner hospitals throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties.