BOSTON — 10-month-old Wylliam Dowling has been in the hospital for nearly half his life.
“He just had surgery on the 13th. He was sedated for seven days and spent the last seven days just waking up. He’s due to go home very soon,” said Wylliam’s mother, Rose Will-Dowling.
The Hingham baby was born with an airway that was not fully developed in a condition called Congenital Subglottic Stenosis Stage 3.
Wylliam’s mother says her son’s stay in the hospital has been made a little more comfortable thanks to his special cozy blanket.
The fleece blanket was made by 21-year-old college student Erin Murray of Medford.
A couple of years ago, Erin started donating blankets to the NICU at Boston Children’s Hospital. Erin received so many requests through her Instagram account that she launched a non-profit called Comfort Cuddles By Erin COMFORT CUDDLES BY ERIN - Home (weebly.com).
“I love seeing the kids with their blankets and the huge smile on their face knowing that they are going through something tough not a lot of them understand because they are so young, so when they get the blanket, they light up, and it puts a big smile on my face too knowing just something little like that means a lot to them,” she said.
Erin makes the blanket on the floor of her home for children with illnesses. Parents tell Erin their child’s interests, like a favorite sports team, cartoon character, movie, or favorite color. Erin then personalizes each blanket. “Just having something you know your child can bond with, and he will have this blanket now for the rest of his life, and that’s just so special,” Will-Dowling Said.
Erin has made and donated more than 400 blankets. She ships them all over the United States and around the world, including Canada, Europe, and South America.
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