This year, we are incredibly grateful to the Clapsaddle Family for sponsoring the Hope for HIE Holiday Giveaway in loving memory of their daughter, Claire.
Claire, who passed away in January 2023, filled the lives of everyone around her with so much joy, warmth, and light. Their heartfelt decision to give back to the community that supported their family throughout their journey is a truly special way to honor Claire’s memory.
Through this gesture, Carly and her family are helping others find the same comfort, support, and connection that meant so much to her family during their most challenging times.
Thank you, Clapsaddle Family, for your extraordinary generosity and for keeping Claire’s light shining brightly.
Carly, Scott, Elliot, Everett, and Claire
Please tell us about Claire and your connection and involvement with Hope for HIE over the years.
We found Hope for HIE just a few days after Claire’s birth and her stay in the NICU. The support and connection we found in a community of people who truly “got it” were so critical for our family. It was such a relief to know we weren’t alone in this new world we were navigating. Over the course of almost 8 years, this community provided us with so much—education, tips and tricks, sibling support, and guidance on deciding whether to grow our family after HIE. Most importantly, they were there for us after Claire’s passing, offering ongoing support through our grief.
Please share why you were compelled to sponsor our 2024 Holiday Giveaway initiative.
There were many things that helped make Claire’s life more comfortable and joyful. A few of the things that really made a difference were a pea pod chair that allowed her to hang out comfortably around the house, the Upsee that helped her stand at eye level with her peers at school, and swings that gave her the thrill of free motion. These items came to us as hand-me-downs or as recommendations from other families in the Hope for HIE community. Their generosity meant the world to us, and it’s something I want to pay forward. Sponsoring this giveaway is my way of giving back to the community that helped Claire and our family so much.
What else would you like for other HIE families to know about Claire and your family’s journey?
Claire lit up every room she entered with her infectious smile and snorty laugh. She made friends wherever she went, and we cherish the time we had with her. Losing her in January 2023, right after the holidays, was incredibly hard, but knowing the community that helped us through it all brings us comfort.
I hope that through this giveaway, others can find the same support, connection, and resources that made such a difference for us. Sponsoring this program is my way of honoring Claire’s memory and ensuring that her spirit of joy and generosity continues to help others. Claire will always be a part of this community, and I am grateful to be able to give back in her name.
The holiday season may only last a few short months, but the impact of supporting Hope to HIE is long-lasting. Consider joining in and making a difference, whether it’s through donations, volunteering opportunities, or spreading awareness of HIE.
Together, we can create a legacy of hope, compassion, and support that extends far beyond the holidays, leaving a lasting mark on families who need it most.
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