‘Made for a Miracle’ support group, care packages for NICU families

Premature twins Matthew and Callia spent months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Loma Linda. They’re miracles, now one years old and they’ve grown since we first met them in June.

“Callia is walking already,” said mother Angelina Castleberry. “Matthew is doing really good. He’s sitting up by himself now.”

We first told you their family launched “Made for a Miracle” to help bring comfort to Coachella Valley families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital and Desert Regional Medical Center.

After their story aired during our newscast, the valley stepped up to help the family deliver 86 care packages to Loma Linda.

“That’s basically what we really want to do, bring these NICU families hope,” said Castleberry.

Made for a Miracle is collecting more items, now to donate care packages to Desert Regional Medical Center on Oct. 22.

The organization will also host its first free support group at Shield’s Date Gardens in Indio this Thursday at 6 p.m. where parents who previously had or currently have a baby in NICU can come together. All you have to do is reserve a seat by emailing info@madeforamiracle.org

“Talking to so many parents, no one else can completely understand what it’s like to sit there when you can’t touch your babies, when you can’t hold your baby. It’s hard, it’s very difficult, frightening, a life changing experience.”

“It’s been a great feeling, Just get together and finally build the community here for these families. To let them know, locally, we’re here too. There are great programs at Loma Linda, but the families here in the Valley.”

Made for a Miracle plans to host support group every other week.

For more information about the organization and how you can participate or help, visit, www.madeforamiracle.org

Facebook: Made for a Miracle