Having spent so much time in an ICU with Brady, we know how difficult and trying it can be on the child and care givers.  There were many sleepless nights where a drink or snack meant the world to us.  There were countless times a doctor stopped by with information on blood results or new medications Brady needed when we would dig up a piece of paper from our pockets and pen to frantically write everything down on.  Days would pass without leaving Brady’s side to go home and take a shower because his health was too unstable.  But, above all, not a second would pass when we didn’t try to make Brady as comfortable as possible in the ICU environment, by doing things like filling his crib with stuffed animals, music and constant love.  When we founded Brady’s Smile, it was with all of these memories in mind that we came up with the idea for Brady's Smile Comfort Bags.

After reaching out to other parents who have also spent time in a pediatric ICU, and thinking about our own personal experience, we produced a list of valuable items that we plan on including in the bags.  Many of the items may seem “basic,“ but when people are living their life in the ICU, “basic” things are often forgotten and much needed.  We anticipate that this list will grow as our organization expands.  Bags will differ slightly between the NICU and PICU mainly because there is no food typically isn't allowed in the NICU. Although this program requires a huge amount of dedication and support to be successful, we are confident that this program will help achieve our goal of making life easier in the ICU!   

   How YOU can help:

1)  Provide a monetary donation to Brady‘s Smile.  After researching and calling bulk distributors throughout the United States, the estimated cost of each comfort bag for both the NICU and PICU is $7-10.  This price is based on buying in bulk, not going to local stores such as Walmart or Bed Bath and Beyond and picking up the items.  Your donation of $10 will touch a family in the ICU in so many ways and you can donate specifically to the bags program by writing "Bags" in the memo part of your check!
2)  Donate one or more items from the list on the following page.  We will gratefully accept any item(s) you want to provide as a donation (e.g. cases of bottled water, travel sized shampoos, various toys).  We strongly encourage you to take advantage of buying in bulk at places like BJ’s, Sam’s Club or Costco.
3)  Fill your own Brady’s Smile Comfort Bags!  We will provide you with our Brady’s Smile Bags, you fill them up in your unique way and give them back to us for distribution to the ICU.  If you are interested in this option, please email us at info@bradyssmile.org and we will happily coordinate a pick-up date and location with you!
4)  Organize your own Brady’s Smile Comfort Bag Drive!  We encourage all types of organizations and groups to help organize a drive for us (e.g. Girl Scout Troops, Church Groups, Little League teams, neighborhoods and all of our friends)!  We want to be involved in every step with you.  We can help contact your local stores and grocers (e.g. Wal-mart, CVS) that you think would welcome a drive.  We will provide signs, flyers and promotional materials.  This is a great way to give and many companies love supporting charities!

For your shopping convenience, we created the following shopping lists (double-click to open and print).  The lists are organized by categories of items included in every bag.  These are just suggestions, and you do not need to buy every single item listed.  In addition, we encourage you to add items that you feel are important as well!  Please keep in mind that all of these items need to fit into a classic “gift bag,” so they should be individual/snack/travel sized.  Happy Shopping!