Eight years ago today, Eli was born. He came through his NICU journey with such strength and spirit, while I was feeling weak and depressed. Fortunately for our family, Eli’s spirit was contagious – and still is!
After just a few months of actively distributing NICU support care packages, yesterday we
celebrated the 2nd annual Parents of Preemies Day by hosting an event in conjunction with Graham's Foundation at one of our Chicagoland hospitals. Over one hundred attendees, volunteers, and exhibitors came out to enjoy the activities at Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) in Arlington Heights, IL. Parents had the opportunity to mingle with each other over snacks, and gain encouragement by sharing their stories. Over a dozen exhibitors were there to share information and show preemie parents how they can give back. Meanwhile, the children were entertained by local sports mascots, face painting, coloring, and crafts. We were also joined by Jake and Nasha, two canines from NCH’s dog therapy program –they were a big hit!
After just a few months of actively distributing NICU support care packages, yesterday we
celebrated the 2nd annual Parents of Preemies Day by hosting an event in conjunction with Graham's Foundation at one of our Chicagoland hospitals. Over one hundred attendees, volunteers, and exhibitors came out to enjoy the activities at Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) in Arlington Heights, IL. Parents had the opportunity to mingle with each other over snacks, and gain encouragement by sharing their stories. Over a dozen exhibitors were there to share information and show preemie parents how they can give back. Meanwhile, the children were entertained by local sports mascots, face painting, coloring, and crafts. We were also joined by Jake and Nasha, two canines from NCH’s dog therapy program –they were a big hit!
Dr. Joel Fisher, Neonatologist and Director of the NCH NICU, spoke to the parents about developmental outcomes. It was exciting to see parents whose preemies were born at various hospitals throughout the Chicagoland area. But I know it was also very special for the NCH nurses and other staff in attendance to see some of their own NCH NICU graduates growing up so healthy and strong. Many parents had submitted pictures of their preemies in the NICU, which were then displayed on the big screen for all to see after the presentations. It was incredible to remember where we have all journeyed from, and then look at our children now and see how well they are doing.
Eli’s Hope was also highlighted, as I got a chance to share a little bit about Eli’s story and what we hope to accomplish through our organization. We also gave out lots of great prizes as a way to further celebrate and honor the courageous preemie parents in attendance.
Our hope for this day is that preemie parents went away encouraged and inspired. The morning was concluded with a call to action that I submit to you as well – what will you do with the experience you’ve been given? Life marches on after the NICU, regardless of how we feel. So let’s take our victories, and our failures, and use them to help other preemie parents along the way.
Our hope for this day is that preemie parents went away encouraged and inspired. The morning was concluded with a call to action that I submit to you as well – what will you do with the experience you’ve been given? Life marches on after the NICU, regardless of how we feel. So let’s take our victories, and our failures, and use them to help other preemie parents along the way.
Many thanks to our local sponsors:
Northwest Community Hospital
and
Peapod
And we appreciate the participation of the following exhibitors:
Northwest Community Hospital resources
Little Giraffe Foundation
Papas of Preemies
Life After NICU
Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.
MedImmune
Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes
Mended Little Hearts
Teeny Tears
I Am Who I Am
Clearbrook
Eli's Hope
Northwest Community Hospital
and
Peapod
And we appreciate the participation of the following exhibitors:
Northwest Community Hospital resources
Little Giraffe Foundation
Papas of Preemies
Life After NICU
Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.
MedImmune
Mothers' Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes
Mended Little Hearts
Teeny Tears
I Am Who I Am
Clearbrook
Eli's Hope
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