Genorosity times 10

Fund-raiser brings trailer of supplies to SAMC prenatal assistance effort

CROWN POINT - Donna Marsh said she would consider it a blessing if she were able to donate just one baby bed to the Saint Anthony Medical Center Prenatal Assistance Program following a fund-raiser she planned in the name of her deceased, pregnant daughter and unborn grandson.

Turns out the blessings were abundant; she donated 10 beds – and much more – and says that is only the beginning.

Marsh, on Sept. 26, with the help of three dozen volunteers, conducted the first of what she plans to be an annual event -- the All Vehicle Memorial Ride & Car Show for Kayla (her daughter) and William Kayl (the unborn child’s name) -- that took place in Roselawn and in Shelby.

Marsh, of Lake Village, used the proceeds (the total amount is being tallied) on a shopping spree that netted a trailer full of necessities and fun stuff she delivered to the Prenatal Assistance Program office, with the help of a dozen family members and friends, this week. She also has identified a family to whom she will donate a headstone – another goal of the fund-raiser.

Despite the extensive number of supplies she made available to women from four counties who are served by the program, Marsh said, “It’s not as much as I would have liked to have donated, but it’s more than what they had, so I am happy. Even being able to give one baby bed is a blessing, so I feel good and it was a really good thing for my (three) other girls (Ashley, Heather and Alicia).’’

Marsh said the fund-raising effort provided a focus that helped her better deal with the Nov. 2 death of her daughter, grandchild-to-be and son-in-law of 16 days, William Schneegas. The Mount Ayr residents were riding on a motorcycle that was involved in a crash with a van in Parr, near Rensselaer.

“I am just so thankful to my family and extended family of friends that made this possible – I could not have done this without them. I am also so thankful for everyone who came out to support us and made this possible,’’ Marsh said.

Plans already are in the works for next year’s fund-raising event. “They will be bigger and better every year,” Marsh promised.

Marsh said the Saint Anthony Prenatal Assistance Program’s concern for her daughter inspired a desire to give back.

“The first time the nurse came to visit Kayla, she offered to put her on the waiting list for a crib, but we already had one. That is what drew me to the program – I couldn’t stand the thought of an expectant mother not having a bed for her baby.”
As a result, “My goal is to take care of everyone on the waiting list,’’ Marsh said.

Kathryn Copak, manager of the Saint Anthony Prenatal Assistance Program, said Marsh’s gesture was “absolutely wonderful.’’ “Any time you can reach out to the community and someone finds it in their heart to do what Donna did, it’s amazing. There always is someone in need,’’ Copak said.


An abundance of generosity
Items delivered to the Prenatal Assistance Program by Donna Marsh and her volunteers included:
* Baby beds.
* Bouncy seats.
* Infant car seats.
* Crib sets.
* Bumper pads.
* ExerSaucer (stationary play center).
* Baby bottles and sterilizers.
* Food.
* Diaper bags.
* Portable swing.
* Diapers and wipes.
* Baby monitor.
* Clothing.
* Hats and mittens.
* Blankets.
* Shoes.

About the Prenatal Assistance Program
The Saint Anthony Medical Center Prenatal Assistance program, which was established in 2002, provides free assistance for expectant Northwest Indiana mothers who have limited family income.
Services include:
* Free pregnancy testing.
* Referral and assistance with accessing community and hospital resources.
* Nutritional and pregnancy-related education.
* Regular and supportive contacts during pregnancy.
* Mother and infant care teaching after delivery.
* A clothing closet for expectant mother and baby needs.

The program, previously offered at the former Crown Point Clinic, 1121 S. Indiana Ave., has temporarily relocated to Saint Anthony-North Point, 2050 N. Main St., in anticipation of plans to build a new, permanent location for the Prenatal Assistance program, and for the St. Clare Health Clinic, on the Indiana Avenue site. The expansion is being financed by the Saint Anthony Medical Center Capital Campaign, which is seeking to raise $4.5 million, including matching funds from a private donor, by the end of next year for the effort.

Prenatal Assistance Program hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, call (219) 663-5349.