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Branding the baby
I really don’t know how to react to the news that a Danielson couple is selling advertising space on their 20-month-old disabled child.
Lets see, how about shock? Revulsion? Confusion?
Jonathan and Lisa Bastien’s daughter, Novalea, was born three months premature and struggled to survive. She had three operations and needs a wheelchair. She probably will never walk or talk. Like any parents of a disabled child, they struggle with the everyday costs not covered by medical insurance.
Their response? Put their kid’s picture on eBay and auction advertising space on Novalea’s "onesies, bibs, hats, pins, temporary tattoos, small banner for her wheelchair, or a magnet for our vehicle." Here’s their pitch: "Being a baby, being adorable, and being in a wheelchair puts her in the limelight. ALOT!!! People are always stopping us to see her and ask questions about her condition."
The opening bid? $7,500.
Here’s why they need the money: "Any money made from the venture will be used to help our family with medical bills, recouping losses and help up get caught up with bills, purchase medical equipment for Novalea, and/or to make our house handicap accessible."
This is wrong in so many ways. I’m sure the Bastien’s love their child very much, but this is exploitation. A child is not a "venture." A child is not for sale to the highest bidder. You could argue that it’s no different that having the words "Old Navy" on Novalea’s T-shirt, but treating your child like billboard is crass.
There are other ways to raise money. The Register has profiled many families with ill children over the years, like little Dillon Flanigan is Derby. The community has rallied around the family and numerous fundraisers have helped raised thousands.
The Bastiens should turn to their community. People want to help. They don’t need anything in return, just a chance to help a needy child.
Lets see, how about shock? Revulsion? Confusion?
Jonathan and Lisa Bastien’s daughter, Novalea, was born three months premature and struggled to survive. She had three operations and needs a wheelchair. She probably will never walk or talk. Like any parents of a disabled child, they struggle with the everyday costs not covered by medical insurance.
Their response? Put their kid’s picture on eBay and auction advertising space on Novalea’s "onesies, bibs, hats, pins, temporary tattoos, small banner for her wheelchair, or a magnet for our vehicle." Here’s their pitch: "Being a baby, being adorable, and being in a wheelchair puts her in the limelight. ALOT!!! People are always stopping us to see her and ask questions about her condition."
The opening bid? $7,500.
Here’s why they need the money: "Any money made from the venture will be used to help our family with medical bills, recouping losses and help up get caught up with bills, purchase medical equipment for Novalea, and/or to make our house handicap accessible."
This is wrong in so many ways. I’m sure the Bastien’s love their child very much, but this is exploitation. A child is not a "venture." A child is not for sale to the highest bidder. You could argue that it’s no different that having the words "Old Navy" on Novalea’s T-shirt, but treating your child like billboard is crass.
There are other ways to raise money. The Register has profiled many families with ill children over the years, like little Dillon Flanigan is Derby. The community has rallied around the family and numerous fundraisers have helped raised thousands.
The Bastiens should turn to their community. People want to help. They don’t need anything in return, just a chance to help a needy child.
posted by Kid You Not at
2:25 PM
1 Comments:
Novelea is my neice, and I find it very intresting that someone who doenst know our whole story would make such nasty comments about someone else!These people are the best people I know, the things this family has done and the ways that they continue to open there hearts and there homes to others. Lisa has the strongest love and respect for her children and would never hurt or let anyone else hurt her children. As I said, Novalea is my neice, I was there the moment she was born, and every day I learn something new from her. In No way are we trying to sell Novalea noone could every afford her cause we could never put a price on her. But unfortunatly for her and all of us the insurance companies and the credtors have. And the Bastiens need to keep paying the hospital bills that are out of net work for her insurance so that we can continue to have Novalea in our lives! You mention turning the the community... do you mean the one that has turned there back on the Bastiens untill we put Novalea ON Ebay and THEN the tv news and newpapers found her important enough {after we contacted them and let them know about the site} of a cause to pay attention too. Then suddenly the community started to reach out, but we shall see as her next benifts comes up how quickly they forget that someone else might have it worse then them and need a helping hand.Please dont judge someone that you don't know! All you do is make an ass out of yourself and hurt others! Some People in this word need to stop and think before they open there mouths. Trying being kind before you put down others for what you jsut dont understand!
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