Cristina donated her piggy bank money to The Cradle babiesBack in 2001, Cristina Dombrowski spent nearly three weeks in The Cradle Nursery before going home with her parents Vicky Dal Santo and John Dombrowski, so she has a special place in her heart for the Nursery.
"Cristina has always known that she was adopted and that The Cradle Nursery was her first home," says mom Vicky. "She has a piggy bank where she saves the change she gets from her allowance and gifts from grandparents, and she always says that money is for The Cradle."
At the December 6, 2008 Cradle Holiday Party, seven-year-old Cristina proudly presented The Cradle with the contents of her piggybank, asking that the $28.32 be used to help her fellow "Cradle babies."
"I love coming to The Cradle and seeing all of the babies, and I decided I wanted to help them," said Cristina. "I feel proud to give to the place that was my first home. I will have special memories of The Cradle in my heart."
Janet Crowle also always knew she was adopted. Her parents told her the story of the day she and her brother came home from The Cradle, but it wasn't until 2006 that she returned for a visit and to share with us that her life had been a "Cradle success story."
Victor Borge with daughter Janet at The 1999 Kennedy Center HonorsIn 1946, Victor and Elsie Borge had come to The Cradle to adopt a baby boy. They felt an immediate bond with their son as they held him for the first time. As the new family was prepared to leave, Victor asked if he could walk through the Nursery and observe the infant ward. As he passed by Janet's crib, she raised her head up and smiled at him. They held each other's gaze, and Victor knew he had also found a daughter on that day.
If the name of Victor Borge sounds familiar, it is because Janet's father was also the well-known entertainer who charmed millions of people around the world. Victor Borge was a talented classical pianist who brought music and laughter to the world's most famous concert halls. But to Janet he was always "Papa." He passed away at home in December of 2000, just 10 days shy of his 92nd birthday.
Celebrations honoring Victor Borge's 100th birthday will begin on January 3, 2009. Janet thoughtfully included The Cradle at this special time through her gift to reserve a Nursery Angel day in her father's honor. Janet notes that "Papa would be pleased to see how The Cradle has kept the Nursery open to continue caring for babies and helping to change lives, just as mine certainly was changed for the better. I was chosen and for that I will forever be grateful."
