SUPPORT OUR MISSION
We are asking you to join our team in fighting rare diseases by contributing to the Austin 1st Foundation. Your generous contribution will help us continue our mission of making a positive impact on the rare disease community.
We are working with UAB Genetics, to gather more resources on rare diseases and the UBA5 gene mutation. We also work with the UBA5 Foundation and the Raider Science Foundation.
It all started in 2017 - The 1st giveback Austin 1st coordinated was purchasing $1,000 worth of gifts for kids staying at Children's of Alabama during the Christmas holidays. We purchased approved items from Children's of Alabama Wish List for kids of all ages, ranging from toiletries, iTunes gift cards, and a PlayStation 3 for the other kids. Each year we would like to donate as many gifts from the current Wish List to the children and families staying at Children's during the holiday season.
Visit the homepage to see our "latest happenings" section to see what impact we've made recently!
Donations to A1F are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
MORE WAYS TO HELP
BLANKETS AND BOOTIES FOR A BENEFIT
Blankets CANNOT be knitted due to various health risks that could occur with them snagging, etc. Blankets can be made with any type of fabric or patterns that are positive and pleasing for children. We recommend Snuggle Flannel prints for kids because it is not too heavy or too fuzzy.
Recommended sizes:
Newborn to 3 years - 3/4 of a yard (cutting down to 26" x 28")
4 years to 8 years - 1 yard
9 years and up - 1 1/2 yard
Booties CAN be knitted or crocheted. Various sizes can be made from newborn to age 8-12. Anyone that knows how to knit or crochet can participate in providing booties. We suggest Bernat Baby yarn from the smaller booties and Red Heart yarn for the older children.
Also provided is a tutorial on knitted baby booties.
Photographed below are blanket patterns, trim examples, and booties
that have been donated so far this year.
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL OF DELIVERING 1,000 BLANKETS & BOOTIES TO CHILDREN'S OF ALABAMA, EAST ALABAMA NICU, & OTHERS.
HOW CAN I HELP IF I CANNOT KNIT OR SEW?
You can purchase the yarn and/or material indicated above and send it to 300 N Dean Rd. Ste 5 #185
Auburn, AL 36830. Or, you can donate to the Austin 1st Foundation and designate that your monetary gift is to be used for this project. Gift cards to JoAnn's Fabrics or Hobby Lobby would also be accepted for our volunteers to them buy the supplies.
We want to work with various groups (schools, churches, sewing clubs, etc), Aldersgate UMC In Montgomery has already started helping. We would also love for individuals to provide us with blankets and booties. Let us know through the CONTACT US tab if your organization wants to participate.
RECOGNITION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE INDIVIDUAL/GROUP OR ORGANIZATION THAT CONTRIBUTES IN THE MAKING OF EACH BLANKET OR BOOTIE.
FAMILY SUPPORT GIVING - Each year we want to find a family in need that has a child with a rare disease that we can support with a large contribution. The resources provided to the family selected can be flexible to meet their needs.
It could be to pay off a large sum of medical bills, purchase handicap equipment for everyday use, provide funding for home services if the guardian needs to work, etc.
Gait Trainer/Walker
HIPPO Special Carseat
Otter Bath Bathing System
Supine Stander w/ tray
and much more
The Daugherty Family
This year's local family we helped was Chase, Jessica, and their son Tyler. This family is all for giving back to organizations like the Miracle League Foundation and passing on equipment other families may need but can't afford.
We were able to provide Speier equipment to their family before their son, unexpectedly, passed away. The Daugherty's are paying this forward and donating all equipment we gave them, their equipment, and other medical supplies to local families in need.
Equipment included:
