Three Years Strong, and Fighting for Omphalocele Families

Three years ago, we embarked on a journey fueled by hope and determination. Hope for the families facing an omphalocele diagnosis, and determination to make their journey a little easier, a little brighter. As we end our second year, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support and your stories of resilience that have filled our hearts.

Together, we made big strides over the last year. We helped families get car seats to keep their warriors safe, held support groups that helped families learn and connect with others, helped families with their financial burdens, and have created a space where newly diagnosed families can find hope when they do their first Google search for “omphalocele”.

We also launched a “mini grant” program during Omphalocele Awareness Month (January) to get more funds to families in the trenches of the omphalocele diagnosis. We are continuing that program again in 2025 with another feature - NICU care packages for families with newborn warriors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The infographic accompanying this message paints a more detailed picture of our journey this year, but let us assure you, the most impactful graph remains unwritten. It's the chart that measures the smiles regained, the tears dried, and the hope rekindled in the face of adversity.

We’re grateful for our newly expanded board of directors, as well as the many volunteers who have joined us and give time each week to help move our mission forward. None of this would be possible without the selfless service given by both groups!

Looking ahead, our commitment remains as strong as ever. We will continue to be a pillar of support, a source of knowledge, and a champion for every family touched by an omphalocele. We have plans to attend medical conferences to expand our network and let as many medical professionals as possible know about O Warrior. That way, future families with an O diagnosis will know where to turn for resources!

As we celebrate Omphalocele Day on January 31st, we invite you to join us in this mission. Share our organization, donate generously, and offer your time and talents. Together, we can help ease the diagnosis of an omphalocele, one precious life and family at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude,
O Warrior

Parker Cluff
Emilija Saxe
Melissa Wickham
Chasity Simon
Lisa Clark
Caitlin Borowick
Corin Dimitruk
Christina Williams