Joshua Chamberlain Project honors late son by giving back to hospital
Dec 22, 2024
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A family is honoring the life of their 10-year-old son by giving back to the hospital that helped him during his stay. The Peck family lost Joshua to bacterial meningitis in December 2022.
Their goal is to make other children, and their siblings smile while staying at the CHKD Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
The Joshua Chamberlain Project was started by Joshua's parents, Matt and Christina Peck.
Following a successful first year, the family held another toy, blanket and holiday decoration drive. They said they doubled the number of goodies. They delivered 21 large boxes full of toys like Legos, blankets and more.
They said the blankets and toys are vital for families that have a child at CHKD.
“It's the outpouring of love and support that we get every year that is just amazing. So, I mean, to know that they all have our backs and everybody's there for us is really helpful too,” said Christina, Joshua's mother.
Joshua's parents said giving back and supporting families helps with their grief journey.
“We all miss him incredibly. So much, especially his brother. I mean, they were best friends. So, him being able to be a part of it, his cousins being able to be a part of it, just helps our whole family,” said Christina.
“It's definitely one of those things where you have this outlook and you're working towards something, and it allows you to have a positive light on the situation,” said Matt.
Since they reached their goal, there will be toys and blankets left to help the children and their siblings for the whole year at CHKD.