source: http://connecticut.icito.com/news/morgans-fund-receives-grant-from-petit-family-foundation/

Morgan’s Fund Receives Grant From Petit Family Foundation

Posted on January 31, 2015

The Petit Family Foundation recently awarded a $6,337.88 grant to The Morgan Leary Vaughan Fund to educate the public about NEC, an inflammatory disease that strikes premature babies. Morgan’s Fund, profiled in this Mommy Minute report, aims to raise awareness about this potentially fatal disease.

The money will aid the creation of a free, audio podcast series about Necrotizing Enterocolitis, featuring conversations with neonatologists and practicing investigators.

“When I was looking-up NEC four years ago, I could find anything,” says co-founder and president Stephanie Vaughan, mother of Morgan, who suffered from NEC as a premature twin, weighing-in at only 2.5 pounds. “I think it’s going to be a great resource for preemie parents, for family members.”

NEC is the second leading cause of death in premature infants. At only four days old, Morgan lost 20% of his small intestine. Now 4, the precocious boy is doing well.

“Obviously we struck a chord with Dr. Petit and the grant committee. We were really surprised that they would take a chance on a very new organization. This is our first big project,” says this Stratford mom, grateful for the assistance.

The Petit Family Foundation was created in memory of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit and Michaela Rose Petit, killed during a 2007 home invasion in Cheshire. Funds support the education of young people and the improvement of the lives of those affected by chronic illness or violence.

“I think it shows the spirit of the Petit women: activism, kindness. This is going to be huge for us,” says Vaughan.

The podcast series will launch on February 28th on the web site for Morgan’s Fund.