Boy, 8, creates gift baskets for premature babies

IJAMSVILLE, Md. - John Sun was born premature at 27 weeks.

Now 8 years old, John is reaching out to other premature babies, or "preemies."

This summer, John, a fourth-grader at The Banner School, began collecting aluminum cans to raise money to create gift baskets for preemies at Frederick Memorial and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals. The gift baskets contain hand-knitted hats, stuffed animals from Boyds Bears, baby blankets and quilts.

Initially, John was inspired by his neighbors, Gabe O'Neill and his daughter MaryMargaret, who have a website, "KidsareHeroes.com," dedicated to showcasing local children who make a difference in their community. John decided that he, too, would like to help others, namely preemies and their families who are going through the same difficulties as his family did eight years ago.

After John was born, he had to remain at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital for 51 days. His parents, Paul and Terri, were only allowed to make brief visits daily.

On one of their visits, John's parents discovered a yellow hat in his crib, left anonymously. Another day, they found a stuffed lamb.

Paul and Terri were touched by a stranger's kindness.

"I told (John) about his story and he said, 'I want to do that for someone else,'" Terri said.

Although premature birth is common, Terri believes it is often overlooked.

"People don't talk about preemies," she said.

According to the National Institute of Health, a premature birth occurs in 8 percent to 10 percent of pregnancies in the U.S. A baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature.

When he started planning his project, John, who loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian, planned to make 50 baskets. However, with the response he's gotten from the community willing to help, he may be able to make 75.

So far, John has collected about 70 pounds of aluminum cans. He has also found several people who are knitting hats and making blankets for the baskets.

"It's so heartwarming to see people reach out," Terri said.

Over the next year, John plans to deliver 10 baskets a month to the hospitals.

John said he is surprised at the success of his project.

"We thought, 'Hey, you know, let's play it by ear and see how it goes,'" John said.

If there is one thing he's learned, it is that anyone of any age can make a difference.

"It's not hard to do when you just try," John said. "Anything is pretty much possible; give it a try."'

Copyright 2008 The Frederick News-Post. All rights reserved.