About Us

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
~ Isaiah 40:31

Eli's Story ...

Eli's Hope was founded in 2011, but the idea was born with Eli in 2005. At 30 weeks gestation and weighing only 3 pounds, Eli entered the world. His early arrival was due to a placental abruption and Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM). He spent 5 weeks in 2 different Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Every moment was a challenge as his tiny body fought to survive. But after just a few days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, it was obvious that our little guy was a fighter. He got to go home earlier than expected (at 35 weeks gestation), as the doctors had predicted that he might have to stay in the hospital until his due date. Upon going home he spent another 5 weeks on supplemental oxygen and dealt with acid reflux for the next year. He also struggled with (and still does) some sensory issues relating to his prematurity.

We lived in Colorado at the time of Eli's birth (over a thousand miles away from our families), and we already had a 15-month-old daughter at home. Eli went through his NICU journey in two good hospitals. Our parents were able to visit us and help out for a while, and we even had a wonderful church family to support us. But something was missing – we didn’t know anyone who had had a preemie before. There was no one nearby that we could swap stories with, or ask questions of. No one told us about things like Kangaroo Care or Infant Massage. Our NICU experience felt like walking around in a pitch-black room that we’d never been in before. Inside that room I could hear my son crying, but I wasn’t able to find him in the darkness. My personal faith was shaken, and I sank into a deep depression while also struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It took me several years to come out of my depression. Ultimately, it is my faith and trust in God that has gotten me through.

Eleven years later, Eli is a strong, healthy young man with a ton of energy! His life is truly a miracle, which can only be attributed to a mighty and loving God putting His hand on Eli and working through those wonderful NICU doctors and nurses. And as for myself, I feel like I am finally healing from the experience -- the creation of Eli's Hope being a part of that process.

Because of our own personal experiences, we at Eli's Hope are on a mission to share the love and hope we received from Jesus Christ with the families of NICU babies. We don't want NICU parents to experience the feelings of lostness and isolation that we felt. We strive to provide hope in the midst of sorrow, and peace in the midst of chaos. Because even if you have family nearby, good health insurance, and a great hospital . . . many NICU families are still missing the support they need to make it through, without feeling like they're drowning.

Having a child in the NICU is never an experience that anyone is prepared for. And the long-term effects of being born early or sick can linger for years. Eli's Hope is here to help make the rough places smooth for NICU families, only by the grace of God.

What We Do

NICU Support Gift Bags
We intend for every NICU family in our partnered hospitals to receive one of our NICU Gift Bags. Each bag contains practical items that will be helpful and encouraging during their NICU stay.
Bereavement Services
We can provide special Bereavement Gift Bags when a NICU family experiences a loss. The items included in these bags provide mementos that will help the family move through the grieving process. In addition, we can sometimes offer one-time financial gifts to help needy families cover any funeral expenses.
Home from the NICU Transitioning
We can sometimes provide Home Transitioning support for families in need, which may include baby items, clothes, and/or gift cards.

Our Mission Statement

Because of our foundational belief in Jesus Christ, the mission of Eli's Hope is to bring hope to families who have a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by meeting some of their practical needs, providing emotional support, and offering spiritual resources.

Our Vision Statement

Hundreds of families with children in Chicagoland NICUs will be reached through volunteer-led chapters to comfort them, encourage them, and point them to Christ. Genuine relationships will be built with these families, and we will be known for our compassion and love.

Our Core Values

Faith -- Hope -- Love -- Compassion -- Service