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Kimberly FelshawFounder of Operation Showers of Appreciation
Date of Birth: 01.01.1978
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Kimberly Felshaw: Founder of Operation Showers of Appreciation
- The Inspiration for OSOA
- The Baby Shower and Loss of Allysa
- The Birth of OSOA
- Challenges for Military Families
- OSOA's Mission
Kimberly Felshaw: Founder of Operation Showers of Appreciation
Early Life and BackgroundKimberly Felshaw, a 32-year-old former Marine, is the founder of Operation Showers of Appreciation (OSOA). Her husband, Josh Felshaw, a Gunnery Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, is stationed at Camp Pendleton. With the birth of their first child in 2005, the Felshaws experienced firsthand the challenges faced by military families.
The Inspiration for OSOA
Featured in the August 16, 2010 issue of People magazine, Kimberly Felshaw gained national recognition as the organizer of baby showers for expectant military families. OSOA was born out of one of the most heartwarming and tragic experiences of Kimberly's life.
The Baby Shower and Loss of Allysa
Their church hosted a baby shower for Kimberly and her anticipated baby, Allysa Victoria Felshaw, a time-honored tradition of surrounding an expectant mother with love and gifts. Baby Allysa was born on February 24, 2005, six weeks premature, in critical condition. Despite the efforts of doctors, she passed away three weeks later, on March 17, 2005, at San Diego Hospice.
The Birth of OSOA
Reflecting on the outpouring of support from the baby shower, Kimberly realized the kindness and generosity of those, many of whom she had never met. Inspired by their actions, she founded Operation Showers of Appreciation in Allysa's memory. According to People magazine, OSOA has already raised $250,000 to provide care packages of baby essentials to 500 expecting military families.
Challenges for Military Families
Many of the fathers benefiting from OSOA's services are currently deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan and will not be able to return home for the birth of their children, placing a significant burden on their wives.
OSOA's Mission
OSOA continuously seeks volunteers and donors to support new and expectant military families. Kimberly Felshaw's organization has an active website where individuals can learn more about their mission, make donations, or provide assistance.
