Posted on September 9th, 2024

Miracle Babies Foundation, Australia’s premier organisation dedicated to supporting premature and sick newborns, their families, and the hospitals that care for them, has found a steadfast partner in Cabra-Vale Diggers. This partnership, marked by a long-standing commitment and successful fundraising initiatives, has made significant strides in improving the lives of countless families facing the challenges of premature births and neonatal illnesses.

Miracle Babies Foundation: A Lifeline for Families

Each year in Australia, approximately 48,000 newborns require the specialized care provided by Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) or Special Care Nurseries (SCNs). Among these, 27,000
babies are born prematurely, and sadly, up to 1,000 do not survive. For families, this unexpected and often traumatic journey can have lasting emotional impacts, affecting the entire family unit.
Since its inception in 2005, Miracle Babies Foundation has been dedicated to developing and delivering essential programs and resources to support these families from high-risk pregnancies,
through their hospital stay, to their transition home and beyond.

Miracle Babies collaborates with 23 state-of-the-art intensive care units across Australia, working closely with health professionals to achieve better outcomes for families. The foundation provides invaluable education, insights into the family experience, and funding for vital equipment, resources, and research. Their comprehensive support services, offered free of charge, include the 24-hour NurtureLine, in-hospital NurtureTime emotional support, and post-discharge NurtureGroups.

Cabra-Vale Diggers: A Beacon of Support

Cabra-Vale Diggers has emerged as a leading supporter of the Miracle Babies Foundation, playing a pivotal role in fundraising and advocacy. Their unwavering commitment is exemplified by
the success of their crib fundraising efforts, which have raised significant funds to support Miracle Babies’ vital work.

In the current financial year alone, Cabra-Vale Diggers has raised an impressive $15,156.60 through their crib fundraising initiative. Over a 12-year period, from 2012 to 2024, they have contributed a remarkable total of $142,917.00. This financial support has been instrumental in enabling Miracle Babies to provide critical resources and support to families during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

The partnership between Cabra-Vale Diggers and Miracle Babies Foundation is more than just a financial relationship; it is a collaboration built on shared values and a commitment to making a
difference. Cabra-Vale Diggers’ dedication to community support aligns perfectly with Miracle Babies’ mission to achieve better, healthier outcomes for newborns and their families.

Cabra-Vale Diggers’ support has helped fund a range of resources designed to positively impact families’ experiences during emotional and traumatic times. These resources, developed by
parents who have themselves faced the challenges of having a premature or sick baby, include educational materials, emotional support programs, and practical tools to assist families from
admission to discharge and beyond.

Looking Ahead: Continued Support and Success

As Cabra-Vale Diggers continues to lead the charge in supporting Miracle Babies Foundation, the impact of their efforts is felt across Australia. Their ongoing fundraising initiatives and community engagement are crucial in ensuring that Miracle Babies can continue to provide free, comprehensive support to families in need.

The long association between Cabra-Vale Diggers and Miracle Babies Foundation underscores the importance of community involvement in achieving meaningful change. Together, they have created a legacy of support and hope for families facing the challenges of prematurity and neonatal illness.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Cabra-Vale Diggers and Miracle Babies Foundation highlights the power of partnership and community spirit. Through their combined efforts, they are
making a tangible difference in the lives of Australia’s miracle babies and their families, ensuring that they receive the care, support, and resources they need to thrive.

“NurtureGroup is such a special place. Having a premmie baby is a life changing experience and just being in a supportive space with others who know exactly what you’ve been through is comforting and nurturing. Sometimes it’s good to talk about the experience (it never truly leaves you) and other times it’s just lovely to sit and chat, play with our beautiful miracle babies (and their siblings who are made to feel welcome) and enjoy a hot coffee” – Miracle Mum Joanne

“Having a support group specifically for sick/premmie babies is such a blessing and comfort. I tried attending a regular (non-premmie) mother’s group once my baby came home from hospital and it was just too difficult. I couldn’t relate to any of the mother’s and the information we received was irrelevant. I love this group as it’s very inviting and welcoming, and everyone has their own unique story and they understand the NICU journey.” – Miracle Mum Nicole