Michigan couple honors late son with diaper drive for families in need
(InvestigateTV) — One in two families struggles to provide children with clean, dry diapers, according to the National Diaper Bank Network.
The high cost of diapers forces some families to make difficult choices when it comes to basic necessities.
“When you have to choose between putting food on the table or a clean diaper for your baby, that’s a really hard choice because there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s just hard,” said Tara Waldron, president of the Junior League of New Orleans.
Some babies require up to ten diapers a day, which adds up to about 300 a month, Waldron said.
Couple turns tragedy into community support
Chelsea Hester and Jason Lyons of Potterville are addressing that need through Rome’s Diaper Drive, named after their son, who was born premature on July 11, 2024.
Rome weighed two pounds, seven ounces, and passed away after one week.
“It was the worst thing you could ever imagine,” Hester said.
“It just sucks,” Lyons said.
The couple decided to honor their son’s memory by collecting diapers for families who cannot afford them.
“So we just kinda wanted to give back to the community for people who can’t afford diapers,” Hester said.
Rome’s Diaper Drive took place over the span of a week, representing the seven days Rome was alive.
“We just want to help people, and this is the best way to do it,” Lyons said.
“It’s very hard if you have a child pass away, it’s probably one of the worst things you’ll experience in your life, but this just kind of helps us keep him alive in our own little way,” Hester said.
All collected diapers were donated to the Cristo Rey Diaper Bank in North Lansing, operated by Catholic Charities.
“Chelsea wanted to do this wonderful thing in memory of Rome,” said Joe Garcia, CEO of Catholic Charities.
Garcia said the cause addresses a significant need in the community.
“Every day, people are coming here for that help. Diapers are expensive,” Garcia said.
At the diaper bank, diapers are provided free to parents in need.
Read more about the story of Rome’s Diaper Drive by clicking here.
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