Cranston family takes the plunge to support families in need

By MERI R. KENNEDY
Posted 3/20/19

By MERI R. KENNEDY Founded 10 years ago, Project Sweet Peas helps to support families with a baby in NICU, or neonatal intensive care unit. The nonprofit organization provides grants to help families across the country deal with a range of expenses while

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Cranston family takes the plunge to support families in need

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Founded 10 years ago, Project Sweet Peas helps to support families with a baby in NICU, or neonatal intensive care unit.

The nonprofit organization provides grants to help families across the country deal with a range of expenses while a newborn is hospitalized.

On March 9, the Bombardier family of Cranston took part in the second Plunge For Preemies event at Warwick Country Club to support Project Sweet Peas.

Jay Bombardier, his wife, Amanda, and their three sons – 19-year-old Nicholas, 17-year-old Matthew and 14-year-old Dillon – had a hand in the effort. Their team name was Harper’s Heroes, in honor of a now 7-month-old child who spent 42 days in the hospital after birth.

“This year we are plunging for Miss Harper Elisabeth-Ann. Miss Harper was born at 28 weeks and five days. Her weight was 2 pounds, 12 ounces. She was 15 inches long. She is such an inspiration and a fighter. Her parents are Cherelle and Christopher Monhollen, and for what they went through I give them a standing ovation,” Amanda said.

A total of 130 people of all ages joined in for this year’s plunge, braving the snow-covered beach and the bitterly cold water. All teams were asked to dress in a theme, and some of those included Ninja Turtles, Disney villains, a country western band and unicorns.

“It may have been cold, but to see the success of the event made everything worth it. Being able to meet some of the children and families that Project Sweet Peas assists only added to the day,” Jay Bombardier said. Together, his family raised $500 for the cause.

Nicholas was unable to attend the day of the plunge, but he helped out with the fundraising. Matthew also did not plunge, but he stayed on shore ready with our towels for when the family got out of the water. Dillon braved the cold water with his parents.

“We have had a few of our family and friends that have had premature babies that have spent time in the NICU. Our own son spent time in the NICU for a short time,” Jay Bombardier said.

Amanda Bombardier is now knitting hats for premature babies through Project Sweet Peas, and the family plans on participating in next year’s plunge.

The largest amount of money was raised by Team Ninja out of Smithfield, with a total of approximately $10,000.

To learn more about Project Sweet Peas, visit projectsweetpeas.com.

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