by Kathryn Whitaker, PreemieBabies101 Lead Blogger
In 2010, when our son was fitted for a helmet to correct his plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, we were thrilled to learn of a non-profit, located in Dallas, that wrapped orthotic helmets for free. Each month 360 Wraps, a for-profit business, closes their shop and opens it to parents and kids, like our son, to wrap about 15 helmets. For us, the atmostphere was festive, welcoming and understanding as we made connections with other parents facing a similar situation.
However, as the owner, Tommy Strader (who still personally wraps every helmet!) started working on the first helmet, he began to tell us the story of how Wrap Buddies was born. It was his witness and his easy-going candor that left the room speechless, sprinkled with bits of laughter.
In 2009, a father contacted 360 Wraps and asked if they would wrap his son’s helmet. Tommy had never heard of plagiocephaly, but decided it couldn’t be much different than wrapping a motorcycle helmet. He typically charges $300-$1,000, but when he learned of the out-of-pocket cost to purchase the orthosis, sometimes as high as $4,000, he gifted the helmet to this father and his son. News spread like wildfire and the shop started getting numerous calls a day.
Through some trial and error, the shop implemented a system, set up a website and established an official non-profit, Wrap Buddies. They’ve wrapped over 300 helmets, to date. More than 42 shops in 23 states offer helmet wraps for free or discounted costs because of Tommy and 360 Wraps. His outreach has expanded beyond just helmets, as they’ve wrapped prosthetic limb and back orthoses, as well.
“I like to help out the underdog, as I feel in many ways I have been the underdog, and have overcome many obstacles to get to where I am and feel it necessary to pay it forward,” says Tommy. Read his full story.
Yamile’s Story
During this traumatic experience, Yamile prayed for the opportunity to help babies on Zachary’s behalf. Every day for at least 10 hours she was at the hospital personally providing proper intervention strategies, individualized care, and therapeutic touch for her fragile baby. The nurses taught her that her presence was invaluable. When she was not kangarooing she used her hands to provide effective neonatal developmental care practices in comforting, nurturing and healing her convalescent baby. She promised Zachary that his pain and struggle to survive were not going to be in vain. She knew she would use her talents and experience to make the NICU stay more comfortable for other babies.
While the nurses had to care for multiple babies at the same time, Yamile gave her undivided attention to Zachary. However, at the end of each day the agony of leaving her son was too difficult to bear. She kept asking herself, “How can I help Zachary when I am not here?” and wished she could leave her scent and loving touch so her baby would not feel alone or abandoned. Using her background and PhD in ergonomic and human factors engineering, she created two ergonomic hands, Zakys, to simulate her and Larry’s hands. These arms continued giving “undivided attention” to Zachary until his parents returned in the morning. Upon Zachary’s departure from the hospital after 155 days in the NICU, the nurses requested that she make the Zakys to help all the babies in the NICU. Thus, her company was born.
Yamile “kangarooed” Zachary for 6-7 hours each day in the NICU and is a strong advocate of Kangaroo Care. She is a certified Kangaroo Care Professional and a facilitator of the Certification Course provided by the 
Inspired by the premature birth of her son, Yamile founded her firm 
by Kelli Kelley, mother of two preemies & founder/executive director of Hand to Hold
It’s a Preemie Thing
Her Inspiration
Epic MedStaff Services, Inc. is a home health agency licensed in the state of Texas. They provide in-home pediatric care from skilled nursing to sitters to care for your child’s special medical needs and for your peace of mind. Currently, Epic cares for infants and children with conditions such as: Acute/Chronic Respiratory Disease, Tracheostomy Ventilator Dependent, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and Genetic Disorders. They are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and take most insurance. They are also part of the Comprehensive Care Program (CCP) and Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP).
