NJ-2026-0006: Single mother facing spinal surgery and postpartum depression, hoping to give her rainbow baby a beautiful first Christmas

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A single mother lives in Bloomfield with her 7-month-old daughter, her rainbow baby after a very hard journey to motherhood. Her daughter is the greatest blessing of her life, but this first year has also been one of her hardest. After giving birth, she began struggling with postpartum depression, with days of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and alone. Even on those days, she keeps getting up, caring for her baby and doing all she can to give her a happy, secure childhood. At the same time, chronic back problems have left her unable to work, and she is preparing for major spinal surgery this October, followed by a recovery that will limit what she can physically do. Her biggest worry is making sure her daughter has everything she needs before surgery and through recovery. Her little girl is happy and curious, and loves Minnie Mouse, music, colorful interactive toys, books, and anything she can grab and explore. Help this year would mean being able to stock up on necessities before surgery and having one less burden during recovery. Most of all, it would let her give her daughter a beautiful first Christmas, and give this mother relief, hope and the reassurance that she is not alone.

CITY: Bloomfield, NJ 07003
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: ESSEX
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 2
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Mental health condition, including depression, anxiety, PTSD or bipolar disorder; lumbar disc herniation; lumbar spondylosis
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: No preference

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 32
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's M
Shoe Size: Women's 6.5
Wishlist: Simple things to make her recovery easier and help her feel like herself again: gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target or grocery), beauty and self-care items, sweatsuits

CHILD #1:
Age: 7 months
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Baby 9-12M
Shoe Size: Infant 3
Wishlist: Enfamil NeuroPro formula, Pampers diapers (sizes 3 and 4), Pampers Sensitive wipes, clothes in 9–12 months plus some 12–18 months to grow into, pajamas and sleepers, socks, bibs and feeding supplies, Minnie Mouse toys, Minnie Mouse clothes and pajamas, interactive and developmental toys, board books, bath toys, gift cards to Target, Walmart or Amazon for formula, diapers and clothing