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Supporting Natalia's Nest
Fundraiser

Our Core Initiatives

Taking action for a brighter future 

Community
Outreach

A Call to Action  flyers  were delivered door to door in Short Beach to support Natalia and her family. They  are faced with Bohring-Opitz  syndrome (BOS), a Syndrome that will cause a  lifelong struggle for Natalia and her family.  Neighbors filled  Short Beach Community Church (SBUC) , signed up to volunteer, gave donations, gave their campaign ideas and expressed support for the family

Dinner
Fundraiser

A Take Out Dinner on 4/25 and a Sit Down Dinner on 4/26 at SBUC. A lasagna dinner (meat/veg and GF) will be provided by Rosso Vino Restaurant, the homemade bread will be provided by Friends and Company and Salad and dessert will be provided by  area restaurants or SBUC. Suggested donations are $50, $75 or $100 per person  (whatever  you can afford). Some neighbors are organizing take out dinners at their  homes, on 4/25, and/or ordering 6-10 dinners to go. Call and place an order for  the 4/25 Take Out dinners or for seats in the dining room of the Church on 4/26. Call 20332155548 or ultract@earthlink.net to RSVP

Tag sale
Fundraiser 

The Natalia’s Nest tag sale will be held on   5/17 and 5/18, 9-2PM at 380 Shore Drive, Branford. Start putting aside items to donate to the Tag Sale, encourage your friends and family to donate items for the tag sale.  Drop off dates for donated items are 5/10 and 5/11. 11-2PM.  call 203-605-6673 or 203-314-9853 for more information.

Yoga for Natalia 

Elevate Your Essence with a yoga fundraiser series for

Natalia Rubio

Location:  Pardee Park Pavilion (rain or shine)

BYO yoga mat, blocks, etc.

Suggested cash donation: $10-$20 per class

 

Contact Peggy Carpenter with any questions

(203) 376-1720

We have an account at Homemakers Thrift Shop, 4 Brushy Plain Road, Branford. Also consider donating your personal and home related items to “Natalia’s Nest”. We will receive a portion of the sales price of your sold items. Any questions about these donations should be directed to Nadja, 203-314-9853.

Baby Holding Hand

What is Bohring-Opitz Syndrome

Bohring-Opitz syndrome (BOS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a distinctive set of physical and developmental features. 

Symptoms: 

  • Eye problems: Myopia (nearsightedness) and exophthalmos (bulging eyes)

  • Heart defects: Structural heart defects, such as septal defects

  • Kidney problems: Wilms' tumor (a rare type of kidney cancer)

  • Respiratory problems: Recurrent infections and sleep apnea

  • Other: Feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, and an increased risk of tumors 

  • Craniofacial abnormalities: Trigonocephaly (wedge-shaped head), microcephaly (small head), prominent forehead, cleft palate, and cleft lip

  • Skeletal abnormalities: Joint stiffness, short limbs, and unusual posture

  • Intellectual disability: Variable severity, ranging from mild to severe

  • Developmental delays: Motor and language delays

Natalia's Community 
Support 

Building a better and brighter future for Natalia 

The Committee to Support Natalia Rubio’s Family was born from the kindness and generosity of the Short Beach Union Church community. Recognizing the immense challenges faced by the Rubio family, church members came together and voted to adopt the Rubio family as their major outreach project.

With a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact, the church, alongside dedicated longtime neighbors, organized a Short Beach Community Meeting. The turnout was nothing short of incredible—the church was filled with people eager to show their support, share ideas, and commit to helping ensure that Natalia has every possible chance to live a full and happy life.

From that meeting, a beautiful wave of generosity and action emerged. Neighbors will be displaying signs of support on their front lawns, making it clear that the community stands united with the Rubio family. To provide financial assistance in the most efficient and transparent way, the church established a special account called "Natalia’s Nest", which avoids unnecessary fees and technical errors.

Fundraising efforts quickly took shape, with plans for two community dinners, a tag sale, and other events aimed at raising funds and awareness. What began as a simple desire to help has grown into a remarkable movement of love, faith, and collective action, ensuring that Natalia and her family never feel alone on this journey.

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Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar

  • Sat, May 17
    Volunteer Dwelling
    May 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Volunteer Dwelling , 380 Shore Drive, Branford CT 06405
    The Natalia’s Nest tag sale will be held on 5/17 and 5/18, 9-2PM at 380 Shore Drive, Branford. Start putting aside items to donate to the Tag Sale, encourage your friends and family to donate items for the tag sale. Drop off dates for donated items are 5/10 and 5/11. 11-2PM. call 203-605-6673 or
  • Sat, May 17
    Branford
    May 17, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Branford, Pardee Park, Branford, CT 06405, USA
    Elevate Your Essence with a yoga fundraiser series for Natalia Rubio Instructor Lisa
  • Sun, May 18
    Volunteer Dwelling
    May 18, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Volunteer Dwelling , 380 Shore Drive, Branford CT 06405
    The Natalia’s Nest tag sale will be held on 5/17 and 5/18, 9-2PM at 380 Shore Drive, Branford. Start putting aside items to donate to the Tag Sale, encourage your friends and family to donate items for the tag sale. Drop off dates for donated items are 5/10 and 5/11. 11-2PM. call 203-605-6673 or
  • Date and time is TBD
    Short Beach Union Church
    Date and time is TBD
    Short Beach Union Church , 14 Pentecost St, Branford, CT 06405, USA
    A Take Out Dinner on 4/25 and a Sit Down Dinner on 4/26 at SBUC. A lasagna dinner (meat/veg and GF) will be provided by Rosso Vino Restaurant, the homemade bread will be provided by Friends and Company and Salad and dessert will be provided by  area restaurants or SBUC. Suggested donations are $50,

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