Kelly's Superheroes

Kelly Gallagher’s Story

There are moments in our lives that change us in indescribable and powerful ways. Sometimes we do not know we have been changed until the moment has already left us. Each blissful moment that, for better or worse, encompasses a tiny piece of what makes our heart beat a little faster to remind us of how alive we are. Having a baby is one of those amazing links to the chain in which we build our path in life. Balloons, gifts, flowers and big hugs abound the hospital room- remind us of the celebration being had in the new life that was just born. But what happens when your baby comes before you are ready and needs more care than anticipated?

The Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU became our home for a month that summer after our twin boys, Connor Joseph and Curran James, made their dramatic entrance into the world 8 weeks early. Weighing in at a hefty 2.11 and 5.1 pounds respectively, I often define my life from before and after of the day I delivered the boys. One moment I was heading in for my routine testing and the next being administered steroid shots and terrified. 48 hours later, in the OR with a team of strangers, I laid cold and afraid. Every ounce of my body, my brain and my heart rejoiced when they came out screaming. Before I could exhale, both were whisked away and hooked up to more tubes, machines and monitors than I could count. But even today, if I had to relive one day over and over again what would it be? Hands down- the day I brought two new lives into this world.

In the next few weeks, I made deals with God at their bedside that I am too ashamed to admit. I sobbed heavily, salt-filled tears that poured down my face as I questioned how my body could fail me. I held vigil at their bedsides awaiting morning rounds with the doctors to gain every inch of information I could to bring me one step closer to taking my boys home. Somewhere, through the fog, I celebrated with my husband.

Our two beautiful twin boys who made us a family of 6.  After four days, it was my turn to go home. My other two children missed their mommy and I knew they needed to see my smile desperately. I kissed the twins goodbye, sat down in my wheelchair and headed for the elevator. No balloons, no flowers and no smile. Those five minutes alone with a strange nurse and my husband were life-altering. I have delivered two full term babies at Holy Redeemer before. This was different. How could they expect me to leave without my babies?

I left my heart at Holy Redeemer as I got into my waiting car. I clung to the door and asked God for the strength to trust in the power of healthcare. I knew from my time there that the staff was top notch that was never an issue. But the nagging weight of the guilt I could not shake. There had to be a better way for moms to balance their baby’s need for care and the maternal bond that I felt I was leaving on the 4th floor.

It was those first few days that gave me the drive to make a difference and give birth to something hopeful.”

The Superhero Project. Where there is a will there is always a way.

After doing a lot of personal research, we met with the hospital and explained that there is technology available that places cameras into the isolates and allows parents and families to see the baby even when they are unable to be at their bedside. We knew that this would not have only changed our lives as NICU parents but had the capability to change the experience of hundreds of other babies born into the NICU at this hospital each year.

Funding Angel Eyes

In March of 2016, thanks to many amazing donations to The Superhero Project, Angel Eye Cameras were installed in the Holy Redeemer Hospital NICU. The Superhero Project strives to continue to aid and encourage families in the NICU and to provide assistance and resources to many hospitals in the greater Philadelphia area. The SuperHero project has donated $100,000 in Funding for Angel Eye cameras to date, currently supporting 5 Philadelphia hospitals, including Holy Redeemer and have 2 more on the docket for 2019.

In April 2019, The Superhero Project started Kelly’s Kloset, with the mission to provides every family at Holy Redeemer Hospital with a bag to leave home with that includes care items during their stay. It also provides new preemie clothes, hats, blankets and swaddles for families who are unable to afford them.

Starting in the Spring of 2019, PJ’s with a Smile will begin at Redeemer Health. The PJs with a Smile campaign seeks to provide NICU mothers with a brand new set of pjs, a letter of encouragement from a former NICU mom and a fresh flower on their day of discharge. Our hope in creating this campaign is to encourage new mothers to get the necessary rest needed in the post-partum phase, feel motivated and encouraged with the support of a handwritten letter and use the flower as a reminder of the beautiful life they just brought into the world.

You got this Mama!

Click here to learn more about
The Superhero project or to donate.