An Aquebogue couple’s tragic loss of their newborn baby has prompted an outpouring of community support, and the first-time mother’s best friends said they are overwhelmed by the response to their fundraising effort.
“I never expected it to get this big,” said Jaime Galloway, whose friend, Angie Palladino, and her husband Keith lost their first child, Joshua Caleb, yesterday after six weeks of hoping their son would overcome the complications he suffered at birth.
Galloway said Angie’s pregnancy was healthy and Joshua’s problems were unexpected. Surrounded by their pastor and loved ones, the Palladinos held a bedside vigil during his final moments Wednesday night at Stony Brook University Hospital.
“It’s been a tough couple days,” said Trisha Losee.
Palladino, Galloway and Losee grew up together in Aquebogue. Losee said watching Palladino and her husband suffer through their newborn’s ordeal has been trying.
“We feel helpless. As best friends to her, we feel helpless,” she said.
It was out of that helplessness that Galloway and Losee started a fundraising drive on the Go Fund Me website. Joshua’s parents were both out of work for six weeks as they sat by their boy’s side, and the bills for his treatment grew to a substantial amount during that time, Galloway said. The total cost has yet to be determined.
After a single day of fundraising, as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday 96 people had donated $3,800 to help with the Palladinos’ financial burden. Galloway said it’s been an unbelievable amount of support so far, with many donors having no previous connection to the couple. Galloway said it’s an appropriate response for two people who would do the same for anyone else.
“They’re extraordinary people, always there for others,” she said.
She said every donation no matter how small is valued, if only for the thought. [Click here to visit the fundraising page.]
The list of donations and condolences continues to grow as friends, acquaintances and strangers pitch in to help the grieving parents.
“May you find comfort in the outpouring of love and blessings sent your way during this time of unimaginable loss. Will keep all three of you in my thoughts and prayers,” posted donor Johanna Miller.
“My heart breaks for your loss. I will continue to pray for you,” wrote donor Eileen Demchak.
Galloway said the Palladino’s faith has been carrying them through the experience. She expressed immense gratitude for the support received so far.
“I can not thank everyone enough for caring about them the way that I do,” she said.
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