Eric Sucar

ESSAY: DAYSTAR

Daystar, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, Inc. opened its doors in 1988 as a certified foster home for infants with special needs. Since the arrival of the first high-risk infant on Thanksgiving Day in 1988, Sisters have lovingly provided 24-hour foster care for over 70 vulnerable children. Recently, Daystar expanded its services offering childcare and respite for medically fragile infants and their families. The Daystar staff includes a neonatal nurse, the Sisters, trained childcare providers and many dedicated trained volunteers. Each volunteer brings his/her own special gifts that add to the comfort, care and happiness of each child.

Daystar, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, Inc. opened its doors in 1988 as a certified foster home for infants with special needs. Since the arrival of the first high-risk infant on Thanksgiving Day in 1988, Sisters have lovingly provided 24-hour foster care for over 70 vulnerable children. Recently, Daystar expanded its services offering childcare and respite for medically fragile infants and their families. The Daystar staff includes a neonatal nurse, the Sisters, trained childcare providers and many dedicated trained volunteers. Each volunteer brings his/her own special gifts that add to the comfort, care and happiness of each child.
   
Seventy percent of Daystar's babies were born to drug and/or alcohol addicted mothers. Sixty percent were admitted directly from area hospitals with a variety of medical complications related to prematurity and genetic abnormalities. The infants cared for require 24 hour monitoring with life support machines, feeding tubes, tracheostomies and numerous medications as part of their routine care.
  
Two-year old Jaron has to be strapped into this stand while he recieves his daily oxygen therapy.
     
  
"I wish that every child with special needs could find a place like Daystar. Daystar is more than I ever imagined possible." - Zoe's mother's wish
   
One-year old Zoe (left) has an extremely rare genetic condition (Aicardi-Goutierre Syndrome). Zoe has severe developmental delays, spasticity, profound retardation due to progressive brain atrophy. Zoe is blind.
   
Fourteen month-old Nia is a victim of shaken baby syndrome. Her injuries included a fractured skull and subdural hematoma. She was developmentally appropriate before the injury but has regressed six months. Her right side was effected.
     
  
Christine, mother of eight-year old Steven Alexander, gives her baby a kiss during pick up time. "The best part of my day is when I pick my baby up." - Christine