Members of the Liberty Regional Medical Center staff were recently surprised with a donation of stuffed animals, blankets, children’s slippers, coloring books and crayons from With Love from Kaden.

With Love from Kaden, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about shaken baby syndrome, was founded in 2014 by Traci Chavis of Liberty County, whose son Kaden is a survivor of the injury.

Shaken baby syndrome is a severe form of physical injury caused from violently shaking an infant. Babies from newborn to 1 year are at greatest risk of injury from shaking, which can trigger a whiplash effect that can lead to internal injuries, including bleeding in the brain or eyes.

In 2013, the Chavises found themselves on a frightening journey that required a series of brain surgeries for Kaden as a result of his injuries. During his stay at the hospital in Savannah, Kaden was given a stuffed animal and blanket to help comfort him.

This made a lasting impression on his mother and is where she got the idea to start an organization to help other children in a similar manner. 

After three brain surgeries, Kaden’s story has a happy ending. In 2014, he was released from medical care by all of his doctors. Now 5 years old, Kaden is a happy and loving child who is a big part of the giving process of the organization his mother has started.

According to Chavis, this year the donations just came pouring in. More than 1,200 items were collected from four classes at the Liberty County Pre-K. Ms. Chavis said she was able to give to not only Liberty Regional, but Wayne Memorial in Jesup and Memorial Health in Savannah as well. 

Liberty Regional will use the items donated to provide comfort to children coming in to the hospital through the Emergency Department or for an inpatient stay. Liberty Pediatrics, a Liberty Regional Medical Associates practice, will also give the donated items to their pediatric patients.