Ninja of the NICU!
Saturday, February 4 at Aquin
Aquin Servant Leaders' Project
On Saturday, February 4, the Aquin Boys Basketball Team hosts the Dakota Indians. In addition to a contest on the court, the Aquin Servant Leaders will be hosting many events to help support a little 'Ninja baby' and his family. Read Cole's story below.
Activities planned to raise funds to offset medical expenses are:
- Bake Sale (Items for the sale will be accepted on Friday, before 3:00 and Saturday, after 5:00. Please send items in disposable containers.)
- 3-Point Shoot (held during halftime of both games--take a shot for $1, win prizes if you make your '3')
- 50/50 Raffle (winner splits the pot with Cole)
- Miracle in a Minute (select students will have 1 minute to run through the stands and see how many dollars they can collect from fans for Cole)
Cole's Story
On December 6, 2016, Nate and Brittany Hill welcomed their little Ninja baby into the world at only 24 weeks and 2 days. Cole Anthony Hill was born in Rockford Memorial Hospital weighing just 1 pound 12 ounces, and 12.5" long. They called him "Ninja" in utero and it's more fitting now than ever, as he has a long road ahead of him. (#ninjababy)
Brittany and Nate live in Cortland, IL, approximately 45 miles away (one hour travel time) from the Rockford NICU where little Cole will be live until he grows and develops enough to be released in late March or early April. Over the coming weeks and months ahead, it is anticipated that a mountain of growing medical bills and travel expenses will accumulate alongside him. Mom recently finished school and was about to begin a new job as an anesthesia nurse which means her Medicaid application is pending, and Dad runs the family dairy farm. With the average NICU stay at $10,000 per DAY, they are looking at some crazy bills, not to mention travel costs.
Dad travels early in the morning around 5:00 am to see visit Cole before returning home for chores and the daily farm responsibilities. Mom travels later in the morning and stays all day to read books, hold and snuggle, sing songs, feed Cole, etc. until she begins her new job. This is their new life, which one's heart does not wish upon anyone.
Cole was baptized and confirmed in the NICU by Father Browning of St. Bridget Church in Rockford. He is now just over a month old and is weighing in at 2 lbs 10 oz (almost a full pound gained since Christmas Break)!! Please keep Cole and his parents in your prayers!
Cole's father, Nate, attended UW-Platteville with Kevin and Tia Heimerdinger (Aquin Spanish teacher and Servant Leadership mentor) and played football on the college football team of which Mrs. Heimerdinger was the manager. Nate is a good college friend--and actually a very close friend to the gentleman that Mrs. Heimerdinger arranged to speak at Aquin on Veteran's Day via Skype.
From Cole's mother, Brittany:
"Thank you to everyone from the bottom of our hearts. We are so immeasurably grateful for all your prayers and kindness."
Thank you to everyone for your love and support for Cole and the Hill Family during this time. God Bless!
All are welcome to mail to the Hill Family at:
217 S Oak Street
Cortland, IL 60112
Brittany and Nate live in Cortland, IL, approximately 45 miles away (one hour travel time) from the Rockford NICU where little Cole will be live until he grows and develops enough to be released in late March or early April. Over the coming weeks and months ahead, it is anticipated that a mountain of growing medical bills and travel expenses will accumulate alongside him. Mom recently finished school and was about to begin a new job as an anesthesia nurse which means her Medicaid application is pending, and Dad runs the family dairy farm. With the average NICU stay at $10,000 per DAY, they are looking at some crazy bills, not to mention travel costs.
Dad travels early in the morning around 5:00 am to see visit Cole before returning home for chores and the daily farm responsibilities. Mom travels later in the morning and stays all day to read books, hold and snuggle, sing songs, feed Cole, etc. until she begins her new job. This is their new life, which one's heart does not wish upon anyone.
Cole was baptized and confirmed in the NICU by Father Browning of St. Bridget Church in Rockford. He is now just over a month old and is weighing in at 2 lbs 10 oz (almost a full pound gained since Christmas Break)!! Please keep Cole and his parents in your prayers!
Cole's father, Nate, attended UW-Platteville with Kevin and Tia Heimerdinger (Aquin Spanish teacher and Servant Leadership mentor) and played football on the college football team of which Mrs. Heimerdinger was the manager. Nate is a good college friend--and actually a very close friend to the gentleman that Mrs. Heimerdinger arranged to speak at Aquin on Veteran's Day via Skype.
From Cole's mother, Brittany:
"Thank you to everyone from the bottom of our hearts. We are so immeasurably grateful for all your prayers and kindness."
Thank you to everyone for your love and support for Cole and the Hill Family during this time. God Bless!
All are welcome to mail to the Hill Family at:
217 S Oak Street
Cortland, IL 60112