Our Story…

This story isn’t just about me, but rather about my mother, grandmother, and the many people that rallied together after my birth. The love that was shared at that time has fueled my desire to help and comfort mothers in similar situations. Many questions have been raised about the factual information pertaining to my birth. Although not fully understood, I have chosen to be at peace with not having all of the answers, and compiling the story that my mother and family have shared in the best way possible. This is our story:

I first heard the story about my birth when I was a little girl. Although not clearly understood to this day, my story was mentioned frequently throughout my childhood. My mother was approximately just over 6 months pregnant when she was rushed to the hospital in the back of my uncle’s Volkswagen after experiencing unexpected hemorrhaging. Early that following morning, I was delivered via emergency c-section at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. I recall my mother saying that she wasn’t fully anesthetized when they performed the c-section as she refused further medication until she heard my cry. Today, from what I can gather, my mother most likely suffered from a placental abruption, which led to her acute hemorrhaging and subsequent emergency c-section.

My baby book records my first measurements, I weighed all of 2 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 15 inches long. In the days after my birth, I imagine they were very trying times for my family. As a mother, I wonder who she turned to for comfort on the hard days, and reassurance that all would be well. It is the hope that The Little Bird Project would create an environment where mothers can feel comfortable to share their concerns with trusted volunteers, and receive the resources necessary to bridge the gap from the lack of knowledge and understanding of caring for their preemie.

 
Photo taken at 4 days old.

Photo taken at 4 days old.


 Leaving a Legacy

My late grandmother loved to crochet. After I was born, it broke her heart to see all of the babies in the NICU with wires and tubes all over their bodies, but nothing of warmth or comfort. So she dedicated herself to crocheting baby booties for all of the babies on the unit. This inspired the idea for the Little Bird Project. I want her legacy to continue on through providing the personal touch of hand made baby booties. In addition, we dedicated to providing support and prayer for mothers and the most up-to-date education from healthcare professionals.

Photo taken at an unknown time while in the NICU

Photo taken at an unknown time while in the NICU


Founder

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Ann is a Christ follower, military wife of a physician in the United States Navy and the founder and CEO of The Little Bird Project. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from University of Mount Olive in Healthcare Administration. The first generation in her family to complete her undergraduate degree, there were times when she did not think this endeavor would ever be possible. Ann finished her degree with Honors, was inducted into the Upsilon Phi Delta Society for Healthcare Managers and was a nominee for the school’s President award. Starting work at just the age of 14, Ann got her strong work ethic from her mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her family. A former professional ballerina, Ann has enjoyed participating in the performing arts from a young age and continues to cultivate that passion through dance. When she’s not spending her time dancing, she is with her husband, finding new places to explore, travel, and embracing any opportunity to boldly share the gospel of Jesus with others. With a high view of the sanctity of life and a passion for serving others, Ann believes that The Little Bird Project can help ease the burden of new mothers and provide useful and reliable information in an age so inundated with anecdotal advice.

A message from the founder: Why Healthcare?

I was originally drawn to healthcare administration because of my family’s early experience with healthcare disparity. Born prematurely, I was blind, unable to breath on my own, and had my first surgery for a pneumothorax at two days old. During my first semester of college, my mom endured a bilateral mastectomy, and was preparing to begin six months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to combat the stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. I was unaware at the time that her doctor had informed her that she would only have six months to live. She endured various treatments for three years. Looking back now, I know that my mother was severely under-informed of how to provide the necessary care for me despite the doctor’s and nurse’s best efforts. Additionally, I believe that more could have been done for my mother during her three-year battle. Looking back, I can see how there is a desperate need for healthcare advocates. More specifically, through patient experience. I believe, that the determination of good healthcare outcomes lies in the experience of the patient while under the facility’s care. By partnering with healthcare facilities, and other organizations with the same goal in mind, we can make a difference in the lives of many.

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What I enjoy most about healthcare is the opportunity for relationship building through serving. I believe that my experiences have shaped my life. The stories I have shared, the people that have crossed my path, all of them have been a patient at some point and time. I believe that today’s healthcare culture is shifting from a traditional mechanism of organizational model to a patient centered model focused on high reliability. In efforts to support this shift. I desire to better understand the barriers that healthcare providers face, the uniqueness and intricacies of every patient encounter and how this organization can adapt and overcome. My hope is to improve healthcare quality and efficiency utilizing the techniques I have learned through my schooling and personal experiences.


 

A Special Thanks to those who made all of this possible…

 
 
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Shayna Made

Shayna Made is a small business that provides business cards and logos to those looking to improve their business through personalized logos and business cards. In June 2019, The Little Bird Project partnered with Shayna Made to have a logo created for the non-profit. If you are interested in utilizing Shayna Made services, please click the link below for more details.

 
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Danielle Jacek, LLC

Danielle Jacek is a Social Media Manager and System Creator for women owned businesses. She loves helping women get out of their own way and help them focus their precious time on the things that bring them joy in life and in business. In June 2019, The Little Bird Project partnered with Danielle Jacek, LLC. If you are interested in utilizing Danielle Jacek, LLC, please click the link below for more details.