The miracle of a baby born at 28 weeks due to a backstreet abortion, but who survived despite his heart stopping nine times, and is alive and well today, with only a hearing impairment, is one of many beautiful stories that led to Elaine Oakes Brenkman, founder of the Guardians of Hope Place of Safety, winning the Inspiration Awards 2024 as voted for by the community of the Buffalo City Metro at this year’s Annual Inspirational Awards.
“After the baby was born alive, the mom called me and indicated that the baby is alive. He was rushed to the hospital where he fought the bravest fight to stay alive,” said Elaine.
“He had to have most of his intestine removed and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and brain damage. His heart stopped nine times in the hospital where he had to be resuscitated. After a six-month stay, he came home!
She said,
That is one of many of Elaine’s beautiful stories. Elaine started her journey by volunteering her time after work and weekends at children’s homes while working full-time for Telkom.
“In 2012, I moved to East London and saw so many children living in terrible circumstances. I then decided to care for vulnerable children full-time. I resigned at the end of 2012 and started as a safety mom in 2013. I officially opened Guardians of Hope on 1 July 2017.”
Big-hearted Elaine and her team are committed and dedicated to nurturing and providing loving care to vulnerable children. “A total of 255 children have come through my arms, of which 196 have been through Guardians of Hope,” she said.
“I want to ensure that each child knows that they are wanted and so loved. They must be happy children by the time they get their forever families, and when they do, I send them off with a prayer that they get to keep, and my heart is that they live this life and come back one day to share their inspirational stories.”
Elaine had been selected to be one of four finalists at the prestigious event set to be an extraordinary celebration of human compassion and the transformative power of giving back to the community.
Director of the awards Caron de Coriolis said the finalists for the Inspiration Awards 2024 exemplify the spirit of community passion.
“These awards not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to contribute positively to our society. Thank you to our four finalists for bravely sharing their stories. You are all winners!”
