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Read more of the Ruffs’ story at foundation.virtua.org
Leslie and Woody Ruff knew some stress would accompany the birth of their
twins. But when the boys arrived early and were admitted to the Special Care
Nursery at Virtua Memorial, concern over their low birth weight had the Ruffs
feeling especially overwhelmed. This worsened when the topic of breastfeeding
came up.
Leslie had experienced significant discomfort while nursing and using a breast
pump with her firstborn so she was “dead set” on bottle-feeding twins Johnston
and Hamilton. When she spoke with Virtua lactation consultant Shirley Donato
about the health benefits breast milk would have for her preemies, Leslie’s
thinking shifted.
There was only one glitch: Because Leslie had to divide her time between the
hospital and home, and because preemies sleep a lot and don’t quickly get on a
feeding schedule, she would need to rely on a breast pump to supply milk when
she couldn’t be present. Based on the family budget, renting or buying a hospital-
grade breast pump was out of the question and insurance didn’t cover the cost.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, Virtua Foundation’s Patient Care Fund was
used to provide Leslie with a breast pump that best allowed her to nourish her
new twins.
For Leslie, who had only associated breast pumps with pain, inefficiency and
frustration, the opportunity to create a positive breastfeeding experience truly
changed how she bonded with her newborns.
“Having Virtua Foundation as a resource made a huge difference for us. It’s been
so comforting to know that I can give the boys what they need nutritionally,“ said
Leslie. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received. I couldn’t have done this without
Shirley or the nurses here.”
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Patient Care Fund eases pain and discomfort
for mom of preemies
Helping Babies Grow and Thrive
Patient Care Fund
This fund, supported by gifts made to
Virtua Foundation, ensures that
patients with financial hardships have
access to the resources they need to
heal and get well, even when they
leave the hospital. Visit us online to
support the Patient Care Fund today.
Left: The Ruff family
Bottom: Johnston & Hamilton Ruff