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Littleton family delivers 45 care baskets to the NICU in honor of their son

Andy and Ashley Glader spent nearly three months in the hospital last year with their "little warrior" – the inspiration for these baskets
Credit: Callander, Colleen

The Glader family knows that small things can make a big difference when you have a loved one in the hospital.

“Any gift baskets we got at the hospital was just so appreciated and brought a little bit of joy and comfort, even if just for a little while, it helped to know people were caring about you,” said Ashley Glader.

A little over a year ago, Ashley and Andy Glader's son Joshua was born with what was described as severe birth defects. As a result, he spent almost three months in the NICU and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.

“He got to come home for a day and a half, and then he passed away. It wasn’t expected, but he did have a lot of health issues going on,” Ashley said.

In honor of their son, Ashley and Andy Glader raised money and received donations to assemble care baskets for families in the NICU and PICU.

"We appreciated it so much and so we said that'd be awesome just in honor of Josh and his memory to be able to give people a little piece of comfort and home," Ashley said.

With the help of family and friends, the Gladers delivered 45 baskets to the hospital on Friday, March 23, what would have been Joshua’s first birthday.

The baskets contained things like soft blankets, healthy snacks, gift cards for food, notebooks and pens. They also included customized onesies that say “little warrior,” which is what they called their son.

“To a parent in the hospital, I’d say be optimistic in everything. Always hope for miracles, always hope for life,” Andy said. “Even if you don’t get the miracles you’re wanting, there are still miracles, it’s just how you see it.”

Credit: Callander, Colleen

The Gladers put together sibling baskets as well, which were filled with coloring books and games. They have two young children and realize how hard it is to balance everything.

“When I was with my kids at home, I was feeling guilty like I needed to be with Joshua. When I was with Joshua I felt bad that my kids didn’t have their mom or parents,” Ashley said.

According to Ashley, they hope to deliver another round of baskets this year. They raised more than $5,000 from a GoFundMe page and received donations from friends, family and strangers.

“People’s generosity is so touching and the fact that they’ve given so that we have the honor and privilege of doing this in honor of our son has just really touched our hearts,” she said.

They plan to assemble more baskets, and will continue to take donations. More about Joshua's story and donating can be found here.

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