Institute Abrace
São Paulo - SP
Maria Julia Miele watched from an Intensive Care Unit, her daughter Sofia fight for her life throughout one year and four months. In that period, two things changed deep inside her: she found out what it means to be the mother of intensive care unit patient, and from that experience was born a writer.
Her history became a book: “Mother of ICU – Unconditional Love”, published two years after Sofia passed away. From that book, was born the idea and willingness to create a virtual organization, Institute Abrace, with the main goal to understand and support the many other mothers and fathers in similar situations. The mission is to promote human support with research initiatives, information and getting better help for mothers and fathers experiencing ICU and Home Care with their children.
Institute Abrace aims to assist the father and the mother. The purpose is to promote the acceptance of what is happening and the socialization of the couple by helping them identify with others that have been through similar experiences. In Maria Julia's opinion, the focus on the actions has never included parents, which she believes is a very serious mistake. The parents are also sick. The difference is that the infant is being treated by specialists. In that situation, beyond the shock, it is very difficult to manage the time, which results in isolation. This can trigger a series of social problems which can include depression due to loss of job, divorce, financial needs and others. The tools utilized by the institute to address those issues are simple: support and comfort to the parents by providing access to information.
The virtual NGO provides a site with histories of couples and messages boards, where people can share their experiences, ask for help, share messages of support and relieve themselves. The organization’s main focus is this interactivity. The most important support someone can provide is sharing their history with others, providing a professional referral and replying to help requests. The organization consists of three mothers of intensive care unit patients, eight permanent collaborators and countless volunteers.
Contact Information:
Instituto Abrace: Maria Julia Miele (founder)
Address: Rua Beatriz 171 - São Paulo - SPE-mail: contato@institutoabrace.com.br
Website: http://www.institutoabrace.com.br/index.html