Nora Benjamin's Story

04/21/2026

What a big, tough day this was for her! 🥹 She had just been extubated not long before this… We were still on the prisma to support her kidneys. This was just 2 weeks after her code blue the morning after heart cath… Nora was always so determined and so positive, even through the pain or discomfort. She always tried, never stopping until she pushed herself as far as she could. Sitting there coloring, I remember how hard it was for her, and how gut wrenching it was to watch her tough it out! She worked so hard though and later that day we got to help make special treats for Dany girl, which of course she enjoyed! She’s exhausted but still smiling… The strength in our girl was undeniable! 💪🏼💜😇😍

04/19/2026

Good evening, everyone! I hope your spring break and Easter were as bright and beautiful as the update I'm about to share with you! We're excited to bring you up to speed on this year's donations progress!

Below are photos of the incredible donations received so far. We're working on sharing videos, but due to the AT&T outage, it might take a bit longer. The outpouring of love and generosity has touched my heart in ways words cannot express. We've received donations that cater specifically to our new requests, like bedside crafts and activities, which is truly heartwarming.

With six weeks down and six to go, I'm calling on your support to help us gather more much-needed items for the hospital delivery. Our bake sale is yet to be announced, but coming soon! Our purse raffle, starting next weekend with two amazing prizes, will be fantastic opportunities to contribute as well.

Our gown makers are diligently working on more adorable gowns, which was such a success last year. The feedback on our gowns, bedding and home decor items has been phenomenal, and it's clear how much these personal touches mean to the children and their families.

Your love, support, and dedication are the pillars that make this journey possible. Every act of kindness, every donation, and every shared moment brings us closer to our goal, and for that, we're eternally grateful.

04/02/2026

Hey everyone, I hope all is well and everyone is ready for Easter. I'll be posting an update by this weekend. Things have been a bit harder with Nora's birthday coming up tomorrow, and I will admit this year snuck up on me. There has also been a bit more on the schedule with her twin sisters playing T-ball now.

It's sometimes difficult to process the joys of new adventures that coexist with the grief of loss and the sadness of what might have been, but we truly are having a blast watching her sisters play! It's a little hard to imagine what it would be like for her at 9 years old. We just said earlier today that she would probably be 9 going on 30. But truly, it's impossible not to wonder: would Nora enjoy softball, soccer, or basketball? Or would she be into art, music, dance, or gymnastics? Either way, I know she would have been living her life to the fullest and loving her family unconditionally.

She would be spreading love and laughter everywhere she went! Hope you all enjoy the rest of your day! Keep an eye out over the next few days for an update!

P.S. If you would like to celebrate her 9th birthday with us tomorrow please do! You could wear something wild and unique ☺️! If you knew that girl or her fashion, you know she was exactly that! Purple, Minnie, tie-dye, Grinch, Nightmare Before Christmas, eat a burger, or definitely something chocolate! Most importantly, smile at someone, especially a stranger! Spread joy if nothing else! We love and appreciate every single one of you!

The photos are of the cupcakes and magnetic photos we took up to the hospital for our annual celebration 🥳

03/08/2026

Good evening everyone!

It’s only been 1 week since we put out the wishlist for our 3rd annual fundraiser and once again the items are already piling up! 🥰 The joy it brings not only the patients and their families, but to us as we continue to grieve our sweet girl, there simply are no words to do it justice! Thank you for continuing to support us and our cause! 💜

03/07/2026

What an honor it was sweet girl! 💜

I am honored to grieve you forever.

The emptiness I feel day in and day out..

Is because the love you filled my life with.

The pain I feel when reality of you being gone catches up on me..

Is because even after quite a bit of time it still doesn’t seem real.

The uneasiness I feel about the future..

Is because I dread planning things and you not being there for them.

The smile that appears on my face when someone tells a story about you..

Is because each time your name is mentioned… it brings you back to life for that very moment in time.

The sadness that creeps up on me when I see a certain place or smell a certain scent..

Is because I just want you back so bad it hurts.

And. I still need you.

The anger that sometimes catches me by surprise..

Is because I still don’t understand why such an amazing person had to leave a broken world.

You made the world better.

Even though grief is so hard. The hardest thing I ever had to go through.

I am so honored to grieve you.

Because you are loved.

You matter.

And will always be remembered.

Until my very last breath.

03/02/2026

Don’t forget to look at this year’s wishlist for OU Children’s Heart Transplant Center!

💝🏥😇💜

02/28/2026

Below you will find the communication from between me and Rachel, one of the social workers! You will also see the list we worked to put together AND you will see some examples of potential purses we may have for our purse raffle this year. I don’t know that we have spread much of the word on the purse raffle before. But anyone can participate. We will raffle off at least 2 purses. I will draw live on her bag and ship the purses directly to you! I will get you more information and actual photos of the purses once I can decide on which ones we want for this year 😊!

Each year we have done a bakesale and purse raffle to raise funds to go towards, last year was homemade gowns and left over items on the list. We were so incredibly blessed that the gowns were made and donated out of the goodness of their hearts so all the money was able to go towards purchasing the remainder items off the wish list. It made all the difference! I believe we ended up spending approximately $250-$300 out of pocket, leaving not a SINGLE item on the wish list that year!!! It was an UNBELIEVABLE accomplishment for us! We cannot wait to see what this year brings everyone! Thank you so so much!

06/03/2025

Today was the BIG DAY! We finally got to deliver all the goodies to the hospital! It’s the perfect way to honor our sweet Nora! She was so loving, giving, so so NURTURING, compassionate, sweet and kind! She had the BIGGEST heart of any child I’ve ever known! So giving to the patients and their families each year not only honors her precious memory, but it also brings us much comfort!

I knew we out did ourselves this year, I knew we were able to provide so much more, BUT I did not realize how much more we were able to donate this year until looked at the photo from last year side by side with this years…

I mean WOW! I don’t know if you all realize that we could not possibly do this without you guys! I mean every single person who contributed, I’m just so thankful! Thank you to those that made it possible to add gowns this year! Thank you to those who helped me put logos on everything (which by the way multiple people loved and were even interested in having their own cup or blanket)!

I’m so overwhelmed, this has been a tough couple of weeks, but to finally see the outcome of what we’ve been working on for months is beautiful. I’m lost trying to find the words to truly express how grateful we are, but I can’t seem to find them!

So again, thank you everyone for continuing to support us and her memory! Thank you for always sending your love, thoughts and prayers!

Thank you! 🥹💜👼 🏥

(1st photo is last years)

05/27/2025

05/25/2025

The only thing I forgot in the video is the bedding/sheets and that’s because they are in the laundry room ready to be washed! 💜