
This summer we had the opportunity to attend two local events aimed at bringing NICU families together . . . Life After NICU's Playdate in the Park, and the Papas of Preemies Cookout.
Life after NICU is a blog and online support forum for parents who are going through or who have survived the NICU experience. Although their online reach is endless, they are based in the Chicago suburbs. I met their founders, Kelly and Aimee at an event they held earlier this year, in an effort to bring support and encouragement to local NICU families. They launched their adventure online nearly a year ago, and their Facebook page already has almost 2000 likes!
Papas of Preemies is another blog and online support forum, specifically geared toward giving NICU dads a voice. I met POP's founder, Joel, at the same event where I met Kelly and Aimee, and I remember being very excited to meet a NICU dad who was so ready and willing to share his story and reach out to others. His Facebook page has also really taken off, and is nearly halfway to 1000 likes after only 5 months.
When we started our journey pursuing our dream of a NICU support organization, it seemed like there was no one out there doing this kind of thing. But over the last year we have been happily surprised to discover that this dream of ours is shared by others who also have a desire to give back. And we are honored that they are willing to partner with us and work alongside us in this dream.
Both the Playdate in the Park and the Cookout were a great success. They resulted in bringing NICU families (and even nurses) together, and building relationships. It is so important for NICU families to know that they are not alone, even after they go home. Thank you Life After NICU and Papas of Preemies -- we look forward to many years of service together in Chicagoland!
Life after NICU is a blog and online support forum for parents who are going through or who have survived the NICU experience. Although their online reach is endless, they are based in the Chicago suburbs. I met their founders, Kelly and Aimee at an event they held earlier this year, in an effort to bring support and encouragement to local NICU families. They launched their adventure online nearly a year ago, and their Facebook page already has almost 2000 likes!
Papas of Preemies is another blog and online support forum, specifically geared toward giving NICU dads a voice. I met POP's founder, Joel, at the same event where I met Kelly and Aimee, and I remember being very excited to meet a NICU dad who was so ready and willing to share his story and reach out to others. His Facebook page has also really taken off, and is nearly halfway to 1000 likes after only 5 months.
When we started our journey pursuing our dream of a NICU support organization, it seemed like there was no one out there doing this kind of thing. But over the last year we have been happily surprised to discover that this dream of ours is shared by others who also have a desire to give back. And we are honored that they are willing to partner with us and work alongside us in this dream.
Both the Playdate in the Park and the Cookout were a great success. They resulted in bringing NICU families (and even nurses) together, and building relationships. It is so important for NICU families to know that they are not alone, even after they go home. Thank you Life After NICU and Papas of Preemies -- we look forward to many years of service together in Chicagoland!