Family makes holiday donation to area hospital NICU
Gintofts want to provide comfort to other families in memory of their daughter
Gintofts want to provide comfort to other families in memory of their daughter
Gintofts want to provide comfort to other families in memory of their daughter
A Wauwatosa family has turned its grief into giving this holiday season.
In September 2017, Greta Gintoft spent her entire life — just 17 days in the NICU at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's.
"She was born and lived her whole life here in the NICU. She unfortunately passed away when she was a couple weeks old," Greta’s mom, Amanda Gintoft, said.
Her parents are trying to provide comfort to families at the same hospital and started a holiday tradition called Giving for Greta.
"At Christmas, she's very present with us. To be able to give those presents that would go to a little girl (and) instead provide them for other people who need them is really our goal," Greta’s dad, Ryan Gintoft said.
On Tuesday, they dropped off diapers, wipes, clothes, swaddles and anything a family may need once they get home with a newborn.
This is the fourth holiday season the Gintoft family has done this. They ask friends and family to chip in all in memory of Greta.
"We didn't know what to do with ourselves and wanted to really bring her memory be a part of Christmas, so this is kind of a way to channel our energy and help other families who are in a similar situation as we were," Amanda Gintoft, said.
"This time of year, it means the world. I mean, especially this year with COVID, these families are going to be so grateful to have one less trip to the store for a pack of diapers or a pack of wipes once they get home," NICU patient care supervisor Holly Richter said.
Along with the donation, the family is also teaming up with March of Dimes to provide toys for older siblings and meals from a local restaurant to the staff at the NICU who will be working through the holidays.