Year End Review From Our ED Linda Harelick

I'm pleased to update you on NYMB's remarkable journey this year. We're on track to exceed our 2023 goals and have already surpassed our estimate by over 15,000 ounces! This progress wouldn't have been possible without the support of our committed milk and financial donors. 

 

As we approach 2024, we must plan for the future by enhancing our digital systems – a crucial step towards expanding donor milk access.  The cornerstone of these upgrades is our Milk Tracking System, a vital component in milk banking. This system ensures the traceability of donor milk from the donor to the recipient, and includes controls to guarantee that only approved donors and qualified milk are accepted and used in the milk bank.

While our internal Milk Tracking System fulfills regulatory requirements, to sustain our growth, we need to transition to a more robust, well-established system managed by field experts. We've chosen a widely-used system adopted by the majority of milk banks in the United States and Canada, as well as many hospital systems. This transition provides IT experts to support our service needs, systems development, and enhanced security to safeguard the milk bank's operations.

 

To make this vision a reality, we aim to raise $30,000. Your support in achieving this goal would enhance our ability to serve our community. We invite you to consider a gift that empowers us to further our mission with increased effectiveness and reach.

 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your consideration in helping us expand our capacity to deliver pasteurized donor milk to the most vulnerable babies.
 

Arriella: A Thriving Donor Milk Recipient

Meet Arriella, one of our earliest and tiniest recipients who has thrived against all odds!

 

Arriella's journey began in 2016 when she was born prematurely at just 25 weeks and weighing less than one pound. Her preterm arrival brought with it challenges, including reflux, low muscle tone, and a perforated bowel. The prognosis seemed grim and medical professionals doubted whether she would ever walk or even talk. For quite some time, Arriella remained nonverbal, with her first words emerging at the age of three.

 

However, Arriella's story is one of resilience and determination. Her mother, April, joyfully shares her daughter's incredible progress. Arriella's newfound ability to speak since January 2020 has been a remarkable milestone, and she hasn't stopped talking since. April lovingly describes her daughter as a proud big sister who is sweet, intelligent, and talented. Last year, in first grade, Arriella excelled in math and reading skills, and is gearing up to have another exceptional school year. Her hobbies include drawing and playing the piano, demonstrating a musical talent that seems to come naturally.

 

What's even more heartwarming is that Arriella knows the role donated breast milk from NYMB played in her early days. She is grateful to all the generous mothers who contributed to her well-being. April is in awe of her daughter's daily defiance of the odds and describes Arriella as a flourishing child. She attributes all of her daughter's successes to the blessings they've received and remains eternally thankful to NYMB after all these years.
 

The Potential Impact of Your Gift
 

Your continued support helps sick babies thrive.