Providing housing &
for UVA Children's
Hospital families.
holistic support
LilyPads Housing provides free, short-term housing in volunteer host homes for families and caregivers of patients undergoing treatment at UVA Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. We also provide families with additional holistic supports such as sibling activities, meals, groceries, transportation, toiletries, and self-care items. LilyPads Housing serves families regardless of age, diagnosis, race, ethnicity, citizenship, religion, income level, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability.
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OUR STORIES
Meet the Stiff Family
Our daughter, Emma Grace, was born with a congenital heart defect that required surgical intervention when she was seven months old. Our family traveled to UVA for her open-heart surgery in December. Finding a place to stay that would not be a financial burden on our family was one of the many things on our minds.
Thankfully, LilyPads Housing was recommended to us. We were quickly put in touch with a host family that graciously housed us for ten days during our daughter’s stay at UVA. Our host family went above and beyond to check in on us, provide us meals, and make sure that our needs were met.
LilyPads Housing made it possible for Emma Grace’s grandparents to stay with us as well. Our accommodations exceeded our expectations and provided a very comfortable “home away from home” during our stay.
![Sometimes “work” means a road trip with a very special pickup. 🌺
Today, we headed over the mountain to pick up something truly special for our Holiday Magic Bags, beautiful waxed amaryllis bulbs generously donated by @bloomaker in Stuart’s Draft.
These bulbs will be gifted to families spending the holidays at @uvahealthchildrens hospital. Hopefully, they will be a reminder of beauty, hope, and that things can grow and bloom, even during hard seasons. And the best part? They’ll bring joy long after the holidays are over. 🩷
We are so deeply grateful to Bloomaker for believing in our mission and for sharing their magic with our families. Partnerships like this make our work possible, and make the season brighter for so many.
✨ Follow along to see how your generosity turns into comfort, joy, and moments of magic for hospital families.
And if you’re looking for a gift that keeps blooming, go check out Bloomaker. They truly are something special! 🌷
#holidaygiving #CommunityKindness #Bloomaker #givingback #growingkindness #LilyPadshousing #uvachildrenshospital #uva
#charlottesvilleva #shenandoahvalley
[Video transcript and description in comments.]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/598247439_18332074546211493_2498468798909913512_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=lZSJTfamywEQ7kNvwE6QRro&_nc_oc=Adl_oFCSmMc6om4YqyyGaUwOwSYzPJCIJAXOONsyGqIQLv-24wIgPYuMIqZ5kWF8WzU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHEasy00v6pCBkNuianZNW8i7PH5Hyop620LkemVyNf_sMMLKXC3Rd6vhXVv8ndEY0UzcQ00TFk&oh=00_AftWStZnueUcOBULJJRJiqq6P-oiHCfP5yW6obwuiAr2Tw&oe=699D4F42)
![❄️Only 11 days left to help a hospital family feel the love this holiday!❄️
We sill need your help filling our ‘Holiday Magic Bags’ for families spending the holidays at UVA Children’s Hospital, and we want to share why this matters so much.
Families often receive toys during the holidays (and that’s wonderful!), but often what they miss most are the experiences that make the season magical:
✨ Decorating cookies
✨ Holiday movie nights
✨ Making gingerbread houses
✨ Sipping hot cocoa
✨ Twinkly lights
✨ Building a snowman
✨ Family game nights
Those cozy traditions make the holidays feel like home.
But when your child is in the hospital, those experiences disappear.
So this year, we’re creating Holiday Magic Bags to bring warmth, joy, and festive moments right into Children’s Hospital rooms.
🎁 Our wishlist is LIVE!
📦 Items ship directly to LilyPads
💛 Help us fill a bag — link in bio!
#wishlist #holidayhelp #angeltree #spreadchristmascheer #holidayassistance #uvachildrenshospital #uvaalumni #wahoowa #nonprofit #lilypadshousing #holidaygiving
[Image description in comment.]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/589375763_18330910591211493_6591962142502862389_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=zGESpxYbeksQ7kNvwGtq-72&_nc_oc=AdnWwBVZRjTuK2Ufu159gY4o0vqv8gl9QEJdXRx7S0hBfUTNarVFL0s_W5zi20BCHgQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFE_qbCWS7bs5a1z2w7TOqrmDUlbyOdbz78_0MvukfbkBZVggdwEpzRGiPV2QByPPaPtbXtlL4M&oh=00_Afvmnw5zy4rhX4cDqW2NAgSi7GM8-Hw9vMhFJRwszYm23g&oe=699D5955)
![This Thanksgiving, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. 🧡
We are thankful for every volunteer who shows up with open hands, every donor who gives with a generous heart, and every member of our village who believes that families facing the hardest days deserve comfort, care, and hope.
You are the quiet magic behind every Care Cart visit, every cozy comfort item, every soft landing place for families far from home. You turn compassion into action — and because of you, families feel seen, supported, and loved when they need it most.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this village.
If you feel called to give, serve, or share our mission this season, your love will always have a place here. 🤍
#ThankfulHeart #GratefulVillage #LilyPads #NonprofitLife #CommunityOfCare #GivingThanks #thanksgiving #charlottesvilleva
[Image description in comment.]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/586683726_848380864270957_7652115567696032211_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=vNWffgQZYDQQ7kNvwFjc9b8&_nc_oc=AdlcsjTiIvLIgjO_3D9_jCu0XGv7Dg2-hIqoIhxbA2VoRpP0P7NtxLC0u1adHM_MdJI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQE1DTwqv8LlxA2_MFa3mxzYrnrXEkwgVNovtpxOQSKf-emKx5VVZrIcWEEywwQ3ZqTy8GmLZvsV&oh=00_Afu3zEOKaJpUyL4pC5-gbpzO6IOP1QU7wV9mePfUA0XKTg&oe=699D4691)
![✨We are putting together ‘Holiday Magic Bags’ for families spending the holidays at UVA Children’s Hospital — and we want to share why this matters so much.
Families often receive toys during the holidays (and that’s wonderful!) — but often what they miss most are the experiences that make the season magical:
✨ Decorating cookies
✨ Holiday movie nights
✨ Making gingerbread houses
✨ Sipping hot cocoa
✨ Twinkly lights
✨ Building a snowman
✨ Family game nights
Those cozy traditions make the holidays feel like home.
But when your child is in the hospital, those experiences disappear.
So this year, we’re creating Holiday Magic Bags to bring warmth, joy, and festive moments right into Children’s Hospital rooms.
🎁 Our wishlist is LIVE!
📦 Items ship directly to LilyPads
💛 Help us fill a bag — link in comments
Will you share this to your stories to help us get the word out? 🙏
P.S. A lot of the items on our wishlist are part of Amazon’s Black Friday deals this week — so your gift can stretch even farther and help us fill more bags.
#lilypadshousing #holidaymagic #hospitalfamilies #cvillelocal #charlottesvilleva #uvachildrenshospital #givebacktothecommunity #shopforgood #holidaygiving #donationsthatmatter
[Video description in the comment.]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.71878-15/589783668_2074136963396954_8079339976796414608_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=ZGOFiaFzmQ0Q7kNvwGex8VB&_nc_oc=Adn99oS_AdfO_zKiQI_ayz7tZOb_2kqSwvMk1iBWqd53yQKYpkwNUWgvHJxTf-nI_Q0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFbl5WmU6KmXiihwzq2d05R4E2nGl-j11FLjhHi7ekpPckPbXKSnAdnh105Gw9P08KG6nWhJr-j&oh=00_Afsb1C7Tjx-_bACe1dleRCqwdH2wCUyJP9Uj_C0BcZkBXg&oe=699D4D43)
![Today on World Kindness Day, we’re celebrating the kind of kindness that lasts long after hospital stays end. 💛
These two kiddos met years ago when one of their families stayed with LilyPads during treatment at UVA Children’s Hospital. What started as a stay has grown into a beautiful friendship—and a reminder that kindness creates lasting ripples.
At LilyPads, we believe every family deserves a soft place to land. And sometimes, those safe landings turn into lifelong connections. 💛
#WorldKindnessDay #ChooseKindness #LilyPadshousing #KindnessRipples #BeTheGood #uvachildrenshospital #CommunityOfCare
[Video description in comment.]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/582514628_18328797688211493_4079963249835744899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=0TEG_2yH8AoQ7kNvwEVARlN&_nc_oc=AdktkIHYVB1NtUXReKb1nLMlxSsTapwuBqTrhR0MOxxm1gxsGvY4QGRIGC4VvXOUZlY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGittWc02z25b5Se90u1xZD7Jmef0lVEl3RsHuwGjP6aJmtNWSirnnPIdPZNoxabLraLiat1DMR&oh=00_AfsHmpixk_L7Di62-peZGJr50fEaY-SvbaqJuw5aaLEKTA&oe=699D44B5)
![This Veterans Day, we pause to honor those who have served — and the families who stand beside them. At LilyPads, we’re grateful for the strength, courage, and compassion that veterans bring to our communities and to our mission of caring for families in need of comfort and support.
To all the veterans in our village — thank you for your service, your strength, and your sacrifices. Your resilience inspires us to keep building spaces of comfort, care, and community for every family who needs one. 💛
#VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #LilyPadsVillage #ComfortAndCare #CommunityOfKindness #SupportOurHeroes #MilitaryFamilies #Gratitude #ActsOfKindness
[Image description in the comments]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/581391350_18328250644211493_8136957727862952522_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=BEzjFoT7QvwQ7kNvwH8zISV&_nc_oc=AdnidXVVFhN9Hqtfvt3be5liAYXAxzmcWGQCghBZATh4crLukaXLDaaIPKO_N-ljqlg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHJuGuMLASVIwdmPJqrq58g3DI9Za1s_jxZ5GXy1g6M_0qaxpeLJFvhkZJmLK6qZDexE-qep3oa&oh=00_Afsf5XxUx3lQkaDwl1gHzgxLqnGkIihPBFVczpqOzp57Qw&oe=699D41C8)
![✨ Did you know that LilyPads has a team of volunteer sewists who use their creative powers to make hand sewn gifts for hospital families? ✨
Meet Karen — one of our incredible volunteers behind the handmade heat/cold packs and cheery pillowcases we give to inpatient families through our Care Cart. 💛
When we asked Karen why she chose to volunteer her time and talent, she shared:
“I really love sewing and I always have! It can be very therapeutic and also very creative and challenging. To be able to support people in a difficult time is a gift. It brings me joy to know I am sharing comfort and love.”
Every stitch is a reminder that kindness is the thread that connects us all. 🧵 Help us thank Karen — and all of our volunteer makers — for their heart and handiwork!
#ItTakesAVillage #VolunteerSpotlight #CareCartKindness #LilyPadsHousing #SewingForGood #sowingitforward
[Image Description in comment]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/573044692_18327219280211493_6282698831169374974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=MwTilmTMaP0Q7kNvwFA-qQs&_nc_oc=Adk_XUSU9vXWapInwwj20Aylrjd-wXPYzjncWLO9gjjxcep7RubghZhLmE1EEdOTLIY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQE01ikhK6TtcDzB7ZgdKsdDV3b5xITmiS-wYSYoaRk_iShalDqgELO_0rZCH5hMAgd1NqtAzXzv&oh=00_Aft56ym38dAjqjfyniPncH7vo6QhVX9Gq98BiUEeCFiYIw&oe=699D62BC)
![👻 From our LilyPads family to yours — Happy Halloween!
We’d love to see your little superheroes, fairies, and pumpkins all dressed up today.
If your family has stayed with LilyPads, tag us in your costume photos or send us a pic — we’d be thrilled to share a few of our favorites in stories this week (with your permission, of course 💛).
Whether you’re trick-or-treating, passing out candy, or celebrating from the hospital, we’re sending wishes for a night filled with laughter, magic, and sweet memories.
#LilyPadsHousing #HappyHalloween #SpookySweet #FamiliesFirst #CHDWarrior #HospitalStrong #LilyPadsVillage
[Image Description in comment]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/563922331_18325881547211493_5044665489827123831_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=MAW2qB-MjpAQ7kNvwFFPM1p&_nc_oc=AdkPVckxjMMdnhO-7iztK1vrX-bL4WLajolkbm7zvYcHNXDtLjRct7cu3yfvQsVJu3c&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHW16e6VsMBR-9I3lhGxo7JVHBpvKEvu6SCNNfUpZFk6JDVdcJjU8EKcUr2mAO9ECUMSgQZSb83&oh=00_AfsgPMZancxH_2L3g5e_4_fDvUKkLdLMXTkPLoEDn_6bSg&oe=699D56E4)
![The best kind of goodbye.🩷
After weeks in the NICU, the Debreus family is finally home. Watching families reach this moment, walking out of the hospital together, is one of the greatest joys of what we do.
Thanks to the generosity of our village - hosts who opened their home, donors who stocked the Care Cart, and volunteers who showed up with love - the Debreus family had a safe, supportive, and comforting stay that was close to their baby during treatment. Moments like this remind us why the LilyPads Village matters so much.
If you want to help more families find comfort and support during their hospital journey, visit the link in our bio to learn how to get involved. Together, we make moments like this possible. 🩷
#charlottesvilleva #uvachildrenshospital #uva #lilypadshousing #nicufamily #hopeandhealing #communitycare
[Image description in comment]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/570072975_18325620943211493_3738675416836173381_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=PEIyXXdEL_4Q7kNvwFMXbmH&_nc_oc=AdnNi2zmuoM6tjJLoBLEp610aZm2_Za5U6t6AlfRIGhaFZuQGbaNIEJxS7WUd7wei-M&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHU3lFMQy_9AYKbxboHcGcoCKBbcO3VKpuR5tCZI4FbMNRw3pncJ3ZtenL4lBWEYzyCugwt4Pqv&oh=00_AftLcPrmH5XCftT4CUk4JFY67pOYTxeljFDX7drRTTbxtA&oe=699D4125)
![We are almost completely out of granola and cereal bars on our Care Cart. These items are some of our most highly requested and go pretty quickly when we visit the Children’s Hospital! Can you help us restock by purchasing some from our Wish List? The link is below and in our profile. 🙏
➡ https://tinyurl.com/LPH-Care-Cart
Thank you for helping us support hospitalized families! 🥰
#cvillelocal #charlottesvilleva #medicalparent #uva #CvilleCommunity #cvillemoms #lilypadshousing
[Image description in comment.]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/564152373_18325541824211493_7298818138416275468_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=RCkRoZ7rBswQ7kNvwF3KKeE&_nc_oc=AdlOyE26ZoZaUFj6Q_CE4FNpisgwKidPQvKAYI0kKVvkYHSN1LWeXoAZKyqQ8DNbQ_A&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGLI5y79DUWfdyn2CsimRlIUbYlXIiFTYg5oFmbSLowVi9OhbBlkUC43-V-vDl7x_ABdeH10zcw&oh=00_Afu-Cj-i5MeTjL3h1TOLhbjSVh3DqMCZyCMB6--oIWcTNA&oe=699D4AA8)
![🐾 Meet Ollie!
Ollie is our Executive Director Jen’s rescue pup who’s training to become a therapy dog!
Next month, he starts his Canine Good Citizen class with @greendogsunleashed. Once certified, he’ll join our Care Cart team at UVA Children’s, spreading comfort, snuggles, and smiles to families and staff alike. 💛
We’ll be sharing updates along the way as Ollie works towards his big goal—so follow along and cheer him on. Big adventures (and bigger sticks) await! 🐶
#therapydogintraining #therapydog #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlovers #goldenretrieverworld #charlottesville #cvilleva #cvillelocal #uvachildrenshospital #lilypadshousing #englishcreamgoldenretriever
[Video transcript and description in comments.]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/565666864_18323532283211493_3360980834227690055_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=_BH8Q02PPfAQ7kNvwHp_ivc&_nc_oc=Adn46SIVGWzt0UGk14D_yhlAybbHcRdRw9Y8BpCKcBFg75VvCmGAMEO-fCpbcllxKUM&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGUenXq9OvkCCJC14-I7aoVUBO_8K0QrQAxUtBD_gA-b7NtqEBtA-XP8bSnLx8lpdqq_aLucFEj&oh=00_AfvqkBk1uWbn2scYed264w0jZK-R_e60dK19e-eyh5K5Dg&oe=699D5CB4)
![✨Meet Laurie - the very first volunteer to join our Care Cart team, and someone who has been showing up every single week with kindness, compassion, and her beautiful smile!
From restocking the cart to connecting with families inpatient at @uvahealthchildrens hospital, Laurie brings warmth and joy to every visit. We are so grateful she joined our Village!
Here‘s what Laurie shared about why she volunteers:
“My reason for wanting to volunteer with LilyPads Housing can be traced back to my daughter being born two months early. She spent a month in NICU before she came home. I know firsthand how stressful and scary it is when your child is hospitalized. I vowed if I ever had the chance I wanted to help parents the way I was helped. Last year I was reminded of that desire when my daughter delivered premature twins six weeks early. Another stint in NICU with a wonderful team of nurses, doctors and volunteers who put her at ease about the boys’ care. I am so grateful to finally be able to lend a hand to other families and pay it forward.“ 🩷
#volunteerspotlight #lilypadshousing #carecart #spreadkindness #uvachildrenshospital #uva #dogoodfeelgood #charlottesvilleva #communitylove
[Image description in comment.]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/563888893_18323151919211493_5970879460977789043_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=mMXf645z9uQQ7kNvwFO4FLg&_nc_oc=Adk51oKTH_NmkiJzZbgM2BIfRFuCItwuV5YLaWh7hUB21Kf1fKR2ApJaMVFVDJ66k7M&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=8prMHMJ7Lcmh1x8AgBZk7w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGSwTspHQVW-RuTvzkYoRY1BlKfTryoZZHXT01pE4qVtJ3Vk9xYI4PP31F2-RttoU_MwRu3oCLV&oh=00_AftZV-vdnx6lNKb6ZC-PwTboj6f1TWOOa5Men5RYGwNiKA&oe=699D4309)
![Our October newsletter is hitting inboxes today! 📩
Meet a little NICU hero, celebrate our Care Cart & it’s amazing volunteers, and enjoy a fall treat! 🍂
🖋️Sign up for our mailing list through the link in our bio. 🩷
#lilypadshousing #charlottesville #cvillelocal #uvachildrenshospital #uva #communitycare #monthlyupdate #ittakesavillage💖 #newsletter #nonprofit #ripplesofkindness
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![Every other week, our Care Cart rolls through UVA Children’s hospital, stocked with snacks, comfort items, and little bits of love for patient families.
From catching up with our NICU nurse friends to spotting the cutest fall decorations along the way (we see you, hallway gnome 🎃), these moments remind us why community care matters so much.
💛 Want to help stock the Care Cart or sponsor a trip? We couldn’t do this work without you! Check out our wishlist (link in bio) or share this post to spread the love!
#LilyPadsHousing #CareCart #CommunityCare #UVAChildrens #SpreadKindness #PediatricCare #CharlottesvilleVA #DoGoodFeelGood #HopeInAction #NonprofitLove #VolunteerLife
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![Introducing the newest (and littlest) member of our LilyPads village. 🌸
She may be in the NICU, but she is strong — and growing stronger every day! While she heals, we’re so grateful to be able to provide a safe space for her mom, dad, and two siblings, who are far from home and their usual circle of support. None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteer hosts. 💜
If this story resonates with you, we’d love for you to join the LilyPads village of support for @uvahealthchildrens Hospital families. There are so many meaningful ways to help:
🏠 Open your heart and home as a volunteer host for families traveling for care.
🥘 Deliver a home-cooked meal to nourish families during long hospital days.
🛒 Join our Care Cart team to share food, toiletries, and comfort items on the inpatient floors.
🧵 Sew pillowcases, cooling pads, and more to bring comfort and care to families.
Together, we are a village — and every role makes a difference. DM us for how to get involved.🌿
#charlottesville #cvilleva #cville #cvillelocal #cvillelove #uva #uvaalumni #wahoowa #uvachildrenshospital #nicubaby
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![🍂 As we welcome October and watch the seasons shift, we’re reminded that families in medical crisis experience seasons too—some heavy, some hopeful. At LilyPads, our mission is to walk with them through it all, offering housing, meals, and a community of support. 💛
#cville #uva #wahoowa #charlottesville #medicalsupport #holisticsupport #seasonsoflife #medicalmom #nicumom #chdmom
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![We were so happy to be able to stop by @uvahealthchildrens hospital today to meet one of our LilyPads families. Their sweet baby is in the NICU and they will likely be staying with one of our wonderful volunteer hosts for the next few months. Thanks to our amazing village of support, I was able to take them a welcome bag (thank you Eleanor, Andrea, & Charlotte!) and some gift cards, thanks to the generosity of the Annie Armstrong Memorial Group at @ubc_cville church.
If you are local to Charlottesville, we would love to have your help supporting families at the Children’s Hospital. We have volunteer opportunities for hosting families, providing home cooked meals, donating gift cards, making welcome bags, bringing supportive items to inpatient families with our Care Cart, and more! Send us a DM and we’ll get you more info. It takes a village and we’d love for you to join ours! 🩷
#charlottesville #cvilleva #uvachildrenshospital #uvahealth #cvillelocal #nonprofit #doinggood #volunteering #uva #medicalmomsofig #childrenshospital
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![There’s something ✨magical✨ about autumn in Charlottesville, Virginia…crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy adventures that feel straight out of a storybook.
We asked our LilyPads village for their favorite fall activities, and here are a few gems to enjoy this season:
🍎 Carter’s Mountain Orchard — Sweeping Blue Ridge views, hot cider donuts, and apple picking galore. (Tip: go early or on a weekday to avoid the busiest crowds!)
🥐 Marie Bette Bakery — Answer the siren song of the pumpkin spice latte and don’t miss a filled brioche. Buttery, flaky, and always seasonal — absolute perfection.
⛰️ Hit the trails — For breathtaking foliage, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park. Closer to town? Try Ivy Creek Natural Area, Ragged Mountain Reservoir, or Patricia Byrom Park.
🎃 Chiles Orchard — Pick your perfect pumpkin, hop on a hayride, and shop their charming farmstand.
🐑 Montpelier Fall Fiber Festival (Oct 4–5) — Fiber arts, workshops, animal exhibits, sheep dog trials, music, and more — fun for all ages!
🚣♀️ Rivanna River Company — Float downriver through spectacular scenery, then relax with live music and a sauna session.
🍁 The Pratt Ginkgo at UVA — Beloved by locals, this historic tree bursts into golden glory each fall before carpeting the ground in leaves. Don’t miss the other hidden gardens across Grounds, too!
🍺 Bold Rock Cidery (Route 151) — Sip award-winning cider, stargaze away from the city lights, and toast s’mores by a cozy fire pit.
✨ We can’t wait to enjoy these magical fall moments again this year! Did we forget anything??
#charlottesvilleva #cvillelocal #virginiaisforlovers #fallbucketlist #fallinvirginia #travelvirginia #smalltownusa #fallmagic #blueridgemountains #weekendgetaways #cozyfallvibes
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![As the weekend arrives, a gentle reminder for parents and caregivers: looking after yourself is part of looking after those you love. Take a moment to breathe, walk, stretch, and rest. Wishing you a peaceful, restorative weekend. You deserve it. 🩷
#selfcare #selfcareisntselfish #caregiversupport #caregivers #medicalmom #medicaldad #specialneedsparenting #caregiverlife #takecareofyou
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![We had a wonderful time at the Charlottesville #vegfest this weekend! Our temporary tattoos were a hit with the kiddos and we loved talking with old and new friends! 🩷
Thanks @cvillevegfest for another great year! 🥬
#Charlottesville #nonprofit #cvillelocal #doinggood #randomactsofkindness #cvilleva
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![This week we celebrate the incredible dedication, hard work, and compassion of NICU Nurses. 🩷
They don’t just take care of babies, they care for the entire family - supporting and educating parents, advocating and caring for fragile newborns, and bringing hope and healing in the toughest moments. Being a Neonatal nurse is more than a job - it’s a calling.✨
Today we pause and honor these medical professionals, educators, and emotional anchors. Thank you, NICU Nurses! 🙏
Tag or send this to your favorite NICU nurses this week to let them know how much you appreciate all that they do! 💕
#nicuawarenessmonth #nicu #nicunurse #nicubabies #nicustrong #nicunurses #nursesweek #nursesrock #nurses #nursesareheroes #nursesofig #uvachildrenshospital
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![🎗️ September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Every year, nearly 16,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. Every day, these families face the unimaginable: long hospital stays, exhausting treatments, and the fight for more tomorrows.
At LilyPads, we believe no family should face this alone and why we work to holistically support @uvahealthchildrens hospital families. This month, we honor the incredible courage of kids fighting cancer and the families walking beside them, survivors of pediatric cancer, and those whose lives were tragically cut short. 💛
You can show your support by:
✨ Wearing gold this month.
✨ Sharing this post to raise awareness.
✨ Supporting organizations that support cancer families and fund research.
✨Writing your representatives and encouraging them to support more governmental funding of pediatric cancer research. (Childhood cancer research receives less than 4% of federal cancer funding.)
Together, we can rally our communities to spread awareness, advocate for increased funding & research, and work towards a future where no child has to face cancer.
#ChildhoodCancerAwareness #GoGold #HopeAndHealing #LilyPadsHousing #CvilleNonprofit #pediatriccancerawareness #pediatriconcology
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