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CAROLINE NOTEWARE
Compliments of Caroline was created by Jessica and Brett Noteware to honor the memory of their daughter, Caroline Gordon Noteware, who was stillborn on March 06, 2018 at 35 weeks.
Jessica was left with an overwhelming sense of grief but also an abundance of milk her body had prepared for a baby that would never nurse. Rather than letting it go to waste, she began donating her milk to a local milk bank, knowing it would help save lives. Jessica later learned that her milk had nourished several babies, giving those infants a chance to grow stronger and eventually go home with their families.
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In an interview, Jessica explained that her daughter’s short life had a purpose, and she was determined to create a space where her daughter’s legacy could live and thrive. Brett and Jessica worked together to create Compliments of Caroline, which has continued to grow. By raising awareness and providing for the needs of other children, the beautiful gift of love Caroline brought into this world lives on.
CAROLINE'S LEGACY
Caroline's legacy lives on through our organization's charitable endeavors. Our primary focus for 2025 is our Donor Milk to Go Program, which provides donor milk for newborns in East Texas.
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For infants born preterm or with severe health complications, breast milk can be lifesaving. Premature babies are especially vulnerable to a devastating intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
According to the National Institutes of Health: “Necrotizing enterocolitis is responsible for nearly 8% of all NICU admissions. Overall, mortality ranges from 10% to 50%. However, in the most severe cases, involving perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis, mortality approaches 100%.”
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Breast milk significantly reduces the risk of NEC, but many mothers are unable to nurse their premature babies for various reasons.
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Despite the medical consensus, access to donor milk remains inequitable—especially for mothers from low-income or underserved communities. Donor milk can cost between $4 and $5 per ounce, or $20 per bottle, making it financially out of reach for many families. In many cases, insurance does not cover the cost, leaving families without access to this lifesaving resource.
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In partnership with the Mother’s Milk Bank of North Texas, the Lactation Department, and the Children's Miracle Network at Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Compliments of Caroline bridges the gap for East Texas families by covering the cost of donor milk. Families may use the donor milk while their babies are in the hospital or take it home through our Donor Milk to Go program.
