What Families Say

I wanted to write to say thank you.  I had to bring our 1-year old son to the ER (Kaiser Redwood City) in the middle of the night because he was struggling to breathe.  After several hours, he was admitted and we spent the night in Pediatrics.  My husband was at home with our daughter, so I was left by myself with a frightened son that was hooked up to all kinds of machines as well as an IV.  It was near impossible just to get to the bathroom.

I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the bag of snacks.  Without it I would not have eaten and it made all the difference.  Thank you so much!

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My son was recently at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center.  It was a tiring, but surprisingly pleasant experience.  He was only there for 2 days, but the donation of snacks for us (the parents) was appreciated.  We stayed by his side, and without realizing it, had missed a few meals.  That is one thing that I appreciate about care in Contra Costa County; the compassion.  When I had my son there, I had received a knitted blanket from volunteers.  I’m not sure if it is the same organization, but either way, Country Costa County has some very caring individuals, and it is not un-noticed.  Again, thank you for your donation to our family who was in need.

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Thanks so much for providing the snacks at the Kaiser Hospital in Oakland for our family when our 13-year-old daughter was hospitalized unexpectedly.  We have made a donation and hope your Network can continue to provide such a wonderful service to those families in need.

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Our daughter recently had heart surgery at LPCH ten days ago, so we are here around the clock to watch over her a she recovers.   We are staying at the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, so most morning we grab something to go so that we can be at our daughter’s bedside and not have to worry about where to get something to eat.  We are so grateful for the food you have donated to the Ronald McDonald house its one less burden for us to have to worry about.

Your generous support helps out so many families and I know our family is grateful.

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Phone call from parent of 2-week-old daughter – San Diego Children’s Hospital.  “Unbelievable you could do something – no one has ever been so nice.”  I have been so lost.  

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I just wanted to tell you that I got one of the Network of care snacks to comfort families and I read the note inside and noticed that our stories were a lot alike in many ways.  I am at the hospital with my 5-month-old baby girl who was air flown after receiving brain trauma. I had to drive for about 8 hours to get to my girl and had nothing and was scared, worried and hungry.  Then not long after arriving here found out my baby girl was not going to survive and there’s nothing that they can do to help her.  My life felt over then I got to the family house and saw these bags and grabbed one and let me say it made me feel better so I wanted to thank you very much.  

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I just wanted to thank you for the meal that you donated to the hospital. My 15-year-old son had surgery in Walnut Creek Kaiser.  It was 10:00 at night when we were finally settled into his room after a long day. I was so hungry and exhausted, and of course the cafeteria was closed. The nurse gave me one of your bags, and it was the absolute BEST Cup of Noodles I have had! I was so grateful that I did not have to leave his side to find a vending machine. 

His surgery was planned, but I did not think ahead to bring any food for myself. While he was in surgery, I could not leave the waiting room to grab a bite to eat because I was scared if anything were to happen, I would not be there. The food was very much appreciated. I was also touched by the story of your family, and how you are helping strangers in a time of need. 

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I took my 19-month baby to a doctor’s appointment that she had because she was sick, and the Doctor admitted her to the hospital.  I was at the doctors all day and then at San Joaquin General all day and evening – I had nothing to eat all day. The nurse gave me a bag of food and told me of your organization. It was Wonderful Thank You so much.  I will be telling other people about it. Too make a long story short my daughter stayed 2 days and everything was fine.  I think that it is a great organization.  

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My son Francisco was admitted to John Muir Medical Center in WC.  We were at the urgent care the night before.   The hospital admitted him that morning.  My husband was at work. When we received the snacks and drinks it meant so much to me, I started to cry.  After reading your story I kept the paper with me so I could send a thank you. We thank you again for your kindness.

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I was very touched by the gifts you so thoughtfully provided. My son is 9 years old and has very severe seizers. We arrived at the hospital via ambulance code 3. We spend many hours in the ER and then were admitted and he had seizers although the night. They gave him mass amounts of drugs to stop the seizers. I was alone and could not leave his bed side when the nurse came in with the bag of goodies.  Thank you all so much for our blessing.

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We have twice been the recipients and both times were so thankful. The first time was when our daughter was first diagnosed with cancer. We were, as many have denoted here in the guest book, shocked beyond reality. The care bag came when we learned she was having a very extensive abdominal surgery to resect the tumor. The bag was a kind, genuine gift of care. We were at Santa Clara Kaiser at that time. Now, almost three years later and two relapses, two more abdominal surgeries including the HIPEC procedure, four chemo regimes and radiation, we were shocked again as she is in hospital for her first ever “fever with neutropenia”. Leaving home with little, I came with my daughter by ambulance to UCSF. After a long day, I was filling my water for the night when I saw the bag in the “family kitchen”, and I instantly felt comfort and enjoyed my first meal of the day that started at 2 AM. Thank you for the care bag and for finding such a wonderful way to “give back”. I admire and hope to emulate it one day. 

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I just wanted to say thank you.  My little boy had a medical emergency earlier this week.  After many hours in the ER we were transferred to the PICU in the middle of the night.  One of the nurses came in with a couple bags of food.  I didn’t even realize how hungry I was until then.  It was such a huge blessing during a very hard time.  My little one is now home and recovering.  He has quite a few medical issues so hospital stays are part of life for us.  It is a whole different story though when the visit isn’t planned and we are in crisis.  Thank you for being there for the many families in our situation.  God Bless.  

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Our newborn daughter had an unexpected health crisis when she was 5 days requiring her to be life flighted from a small, community hospital to Oakland Children’s. It was a parent’s worst nightmare and my husband and I were simply beside ourselves with worry. Never wanting to leave our child’s side for a second, your loving note and food brought us a large amount of comfort during this difficult time. She has since recovered and we remain grateful to your organization. Thank you!

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Thank you so much for the food.  My daughter was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and during the infusion really needed a snack, I only had a $20 bill and the vending machine did not give change. The admittance nurse offered me a goodie bag from your organization. It was a welcome surprise and much needed. 

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I want to say thank you so much, your message has touched me so much as a mom. And your gift of this meal is so much appreciated. It’s made tears of joy come to my eyes and it really helps me see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You all are angels in my family’s life. Thank you so much.

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Hello! First off, let me say that I am so sorry about the loss of your beautiful daughter. I am writing this from Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Denver. My daughter who has leukemia got to pick out a very cool blanket today along with receiving a snack bag from one of your volunteers. We saw the insert about The Network of Care and I had to write.  Thank you for your beautiful service to others. I know when my daughter was diagnosed last month, we at least got a head’s up that we would probably be spending the night in the hospital (it ended up being a week), but I met another parent that literally had only the clothes on her back. I was a few days further along than she was so I went and asked the staff for a toothbrush for her and anything else they could spare. I don’t know if she was able to benefit from The Network of Care or not, but it definitely shows that you guys are very much needed (and appreciated).

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Thank you! We have spent many days and nights at the Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. But this is the first time I discovered this precious bag of kindness. We are on our 3rd night here in the ICU. Keep up the great work!!

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We spent over a week at UCSF with my 2-month-old grandson and his parents while he had open heart surgery. We received 2 of your food bags and when I read the insert it touched me so. 
What a wonderful legacy you have created for your daughter

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I just gave birth to my daughter at UCSF and she had been admitted to the NICU immediately following her birth.  I was discharged last night from my room, and ate my last meal. Through the night, I nursed her every three hours while sleeping on the chair next to her. I did not bring my wallet to the hospital, since I was asked to leave all valuables at home. My husband could not get to the hospital until late this evening, leaving me with no money to get anything to eat. By 12 noon today, I was in tears, so hungry and weak I could not even think straight or stand up. I mentioned to my nurse that I had not eaten in over 18 hours and she gasped in shock. She quickly ran and gave me one of your food care packs, which I devoured. There are no words to thank you for your generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness. It made all of the difference in my world today, thank you for what you do. You truly make a HUGE difference in people’s lives

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Thank you so much for the meal bag. My daughter was hospitalized for a severe migraine and I was there with her 24 hours. The cafe was so expensive, and the bag was a welcome surprise when we got back to the room from an MRI. You really made my day. 

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Your cause and concern let me realize that this world is full of some very good people. My baby boy got sick and we rushed to Fremont Kaiser ER, then transported to Kaiser Hayward Medical Center Pediatrics to get him admitted. We reached there at 3 am completely exhausted and stressed out. The nurse handed the snack packets. I can understand what your family had to go through but you still made your life more meaningful. 

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My son & I spent 3wks @ Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital & received 1 of the snack bags. I saved the letter that came inside, so that 1 day I could thank you & to see if there was any way I could help. I’m sorry for your loss.  I would like you to know you’re greatly appreciated for what you do.

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Our 18-month-old son was admitted to the hospital on Christmas Eve after an Asthma attack. We spent all of Christmas Day in the hospital and that afternoon, I opened the bag of goodies & read the note. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for all you do.

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My son was critically injured in a football game and I was summoned to the hospital around midnight. I was completely clueless as to how severe his injury was and of course had no thought of bringing something to eat or even a purse. So being offered your care bag was truly a blessing on the many nights we are and will spend in the ICU waiting for him to get better. So, thank you and all those who support your cause.

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We want to thank you and your wonderful organization. Last Saturday, my husband called me at work (Noon) to say our oldest daughter was being admitted to Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara. This was not expected, as just one week prior my husband had a heart attack and was also hospitalized there. By 1920 Hours, she was taken to Pediatrics and I was there for the next 5 days. On Sunday and then Wednesday your volunteers came by with a goodie bag. This brought a smile to our faces.  I want to say a very big THANK YOU! I never was able to get the canteen machine (in the basement) to take a $5.00 bill. It rejected it each time and I had no other money so I had had nothing to eat since the Saturday before. Again, thank you for your wonderful gift.