October 1, 2009

More Ways You Can Help

Hi, everyone!

This week has been both amazing and hard. It's wonderful to see such goodness and generosity come out of such a horrific tragedy. Thank you so much for your continued support.

There are now more ways that you can help Philip and Gabby.

1.) Kim set up a P.O. Box to accept formula checks (any brand, even checks that are expired!) and diaper coupons (or even gift cards to places like Target!) -- basically anything that can fit in an envelope. Anything not used will be donated to The Liz Logelin Foundation. The address is:

The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 235971
Encinitas, CA 92023-5971


2.) A memorial fund was set up at Arrowhead Credit Union (thanks, Angelina!), and checks can be made out to The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund. They can be mailed to:

The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 235971
Encinitas, CA 92023-5971


3.) An address for those who want to send packages (larger than an envelope) has been established. This address can accept shipments from UPS, Fed Ex, etc., unlike the P.O. Box:

Brandi Futrell
c/o The Jewelyn Okamoto Memorial Fund
14928 S. Maple Avenue
Gardena, CA 90248


4.) And for those who would like to contribute via PayPal, that email address is 4jewelyn@gmail.com.

Philip, Jewelyn's husband, had this to say when he found out about all the support and prayers people were sending his way:

Jewelyn was so loved. I've been receiving messages to look at this board. I have never posted here before but I know Jewelyn was on it religiously. She considered everyone here a part of her family that have gone through so much together. Gabrielle will be in nicu till the end of the week but she looks beautiful. Just like her mommy. I wanted to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family fund is something I would never have expected anyone to do for us. Before she slipped away I told her how loved she was. I don't think she realized just how much.

Thank you all.

Jewelyn's husband Philip


Here's the last picture that Philip and Jewelyn will ever have together:



And here is lovely Miss Gabby, who is still in the NICU but seems to be doing well.



They are a beautiful family, aren't they?

Thank you for all your support. You have truly helped make a difference for them.

3 comments:

Ann Marie said...

There is so much happiness in that picture. It brought me to tears; life is so unfair sometimes.

Thoughts said...

I don't know you and didn't know your beautiful friend Jewelyn. You might want to share Matt's blog with Phillip: http://www.mattlogelin.com/if-you-havent-been-here-before/

Matt also lost his wife just after the birth of their baby, and he's been writing his life with Madeline since then. It's painful and beautiful and inspiring and might help your friend to know he's not alone.

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his adorable daughter.

amber said...

Those last photos gave me chills. :(