THIRD-ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE BENEFITING LEIGHTON’S GIFT SPONSORED BY TSP

TSP (Technology Service Professionals), a leading provider of information technology services to Fortune 500 companies, announced it will be the platinum sponsor of the third-annual Leighton’s Ride, a fundraising motorcycle ride on May 16 benefiting Leighton’s Gift, a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to turn a tragedy into something positive. The organization’s current project includes installing Angel Eye webcam systems in the NICU at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. These webcams help parents with infants at the NICU to see their babies at any time from their computer, smart phone, tablet or other web-enabled device.

“TSP is proud to be the platinum sponsor this year for Leighton’s Ride, an amazing cause close to our hearts,” said Frank Gonzalez, co-founder and vice-president, TSP. “We firmly believe it’s important for us to give back as a company and contribute to our community.”

The third annual charity ride will start on May 16 at 9am in Celina, TX and culminate at noon at Adam Smith’s Texoma Harley in Sherman, TX. Individuals interested in registering can complete and submit the registration packet here.

Login services and webcam use are offered free of charge to parents with infants in the NICU, making Texas Health Plano the first hospital in Collin County with NICU webcams. The webcams also allow parents to speak to their child, facilitating the bonding experience when parents can’t physically be at their bedside.

Leighton’s Gift was incorporated in 2013 by Chris Skaggs, TSP’s director of strategic initiatives, and his wife, Amy Skaggs. Chris and Amy’s twins, Leighton Sophie Taylor and Jaxon Cohen were born on May 26, 2013 at only 28 weeks and six days gestation. Just three weeks after her birth, Leighton was diagnosed with Late Onset Group B Strep (GBS) and passed away within 48 hours. While undergoing this tragic experience, Chris and Amy struggled with the strict rules of the NICU, which prevented their families from ever meeting Leighton.

“We’ve come a long way since we started this journey, and we’re thrilled that we’ve wired up 19 out of Texas Health’s 45 beds,” said Chris Skaggs. “We’re so grateful to TSP for their continued support of our organization.”

Leighton’s Gift has created a legacy for Leighton by using technology to help other parents going through this difficult experience to feel more connected and comfortable. The Skaggs’ story was featured recently in a CNN iReport, along with a CNN story on journeys through infertility.