About Kozies from Katie

We founded Kozies from Katie after our daughter Katie Lee spent 2 months at CHEO after contracting GBS Meningitis at 18 days old. We were so focused on our daughter's illness and care that her crib remained empty and sterile for over a week. A lovely volunteer brought Katie a handmade quilt and it made a difference. Knowing that someone "out there" was thinking of Katie meant the world to us. We started bringing her things in and pretty soon her crib looked a little bit more like "home". In her case, lots of pink monkeys. Click Katie's photo on the right to read her story.

We saw dozens of families while Katie was in the PICU and saw a clear need for these "Kozies". When an infant is admitted to Intensive Care it is most often via the Emergency department. For parents, it is extremely traumatic and they often do not have the time nor energy to gather and bring in their child's belongings including basics like a baby hat or socks to keep them warm. Seeing your baby in a sterile bed with striped hospital blankets is difficult. Our "Kozies" include colourful receiving blankets, cozy socks, plush toys (they cheerfully hold ventilators and lines in place AND keep baby company) and newborn hats. See a complete list of contents and our Wish List.

Our goal is to deliver a Kozies from Katie package, filled with items to emotionally and physically nourish every baby in Intensive Care at CHEO. Sadly, there are over 750 babies alone that stay in these units every year. "Kozies" are given to babies that are admitted and will have to stay in the unit for more than an "observation period". These babies are very sick.