The Rotunda Foundation

NICU fundraising

Stephen Caffrey

Stephen Caffrey

My Story

On the 24th of March 2023 at 9:41am and 9:44am my beautiful babies were born.

This was both the best and most difficult day of my life. 

Upon arrival, Jacob and Willow were immediately taken from my wife and I and brought to an inspection table where two incubators waited. Before leaving the inspection table I held the hands of both Willow and Jacob saying that everything will be Ok. 

Following on from this my wife was taken to the high dependancy ward to be treated for both Preeclampsia and blood loss.

Unfortunately, I was unable to stay in the hospital overnight, so before leaving I went down to see both Willow and Jacob. 

After completing a strict cleaning protocol, I was brought into see my daughter Willow. At this point, Willow did not require as much support as Jacob. I sat singing our wedding song with Willow for 20mins through the incubator. Before leaving, I took Willows hand and told her Mammy and Daddy love her and to keep up the good work. 

I was then brought into a separate room to see my son Jacob. I took a seat next to the incubator began singing our wedding song. Before leaving, I held Jacobs hand telling him that he needs to work hard to come off the breathing support. 

I then took the loneliest drive of my life home. 

Upon arriving at my mothers for food, my family and friends were anxiously awaiting my arrival. 

I sat in silence. 

Soon after I made my way home, I put on my shorts and t-shirt and began running. During this run I cried my loudest tears.

Later that night I slept in my large bed alongside the hats of which were placed on my babies head when they were born. 

I was scared. 

One week later, both my wife and baby Jacob were discharged. Another week passed and the NICU discharged baby Willow. It was only at that point when my mind began to rest. 

My family was home in their nice warm house. 

Throughout this scary time, I prayed and prayed. 

Thanks to the hard working staff in the NICU and prayer, my two beautiful children are thriving. 

As a token of my appreciation, I will be completing an Ironman 70.3 in Mallorca on May 11th to raise funds. 

196%

Funded

  • Target
    €2,000
  • Raised so far
    €3,920
  • Number of donors
    73

My Story

On the 24th of March 2023 at 9:41am and 9:44am my beautiful babies were born.

This was both the best and most difficult day of my life. 

Upon arrival, Jacob and Willow were immediately taken from my wife and I and brought to an inspection table where two incubators waited. Before leaving the inspection table I held the hands of both Willow and Jacob saying that everything will be Ok. 

Following on from this my wife was taken to the high dependancy ward to be treated for both Preeclampsia and blood loss.

Unfortunately, I was unable to stay in the hospital overnight, so before leaving I went down to see both Willow and Jacob. 

After completing a strict cleaning protocol, I was brought into see my daughter Willow. At this point, Willow did not require as much support as Jacob. I sat singing our wedding song with Willow for 20mins through the incubator. Before leaving, I took Willows hand and told her Mammy and Daddy love her and to keep up the good work. 

I was then brought into a separate room to see my son Jacob. I took a seat next to the incubator began singing our wedding song. Before leaving, I held Jacobs hand telling him that he needs to work hard to come off the breathing support. 

I then took the loneliest drive of my life home. 

Upon arriving at my mothers for food, my family and friends were anxiously awaiting my arrival. 

I sat in silence. 

Soon after I made my way home, I put on my shorts and t-shirt and began running. During this run I cried my loudest tears.

Later that night I slept in my large bed alongside the hats of which were placed on my babies head when they were born. 

I was scared. 

One week later, both my wife and baby Jacob were discharged. Another week passed and the NICU discharged baby Willow. It was only at that point when my mind began to rest. 

My family was home in their nice warm house. 

Throughout this scary time, I prayed and prayed. 

Thanks to the hard working staff in the NICU and prayer, my two beautiful children are thriving. 

As a token of my appreciation, I will be completing an Ironman 70.3 in Mallorca on May 11th to raise funds.