I will be participating in the NICUSTRONG Walk 2022.

We are walking in this event and fundraising for our greatest blessing Leah Faith Rys who we welcomed into this world on February 12 2022. Most of you know she was born at 34 weeks by c section due to her mommy having preeclampsia. We both held on and made it to 34 weeks which is what the doctors all wanted to make sure our little mighty lady was the strongest she could be. Mommy and daddy can honestly say that our daughter is our strength and shows us what it means to be strong everyday. Because of her we will both never be weak. Miss Leah was born weighing 3 lb 5 ounces and she has made gains daily since day 1. She is now 6 months old weighing almost 12 pounds. Leah continues to work hard and strive everyday to meet all of her milestones. She has continually blown her mommy and daddy’s mind as to everything she has accomplished in her 6 months. She lights up every room that she is in and puts a smile on everyone’s face. Leah is our greatest gift, blessing, and our greatest love.

All money raised funds innovative treatment, cutting-edge equipment, much-needed research and support for our babies and families of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital.

Our family decided to support this amazing cause because the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admits about 940 newborns each year, so the need is great for innovative treatment and care. Approximately 80 newborns weigh less than 1,500 grams (that is approximately 3lbs., 5oz!).

In 2018, NICUSTRONG was formed in support of these babies and their families. Since its inception, the walk has raised over $300,000, largely due to the tremendous support of teams like us. So far, funding has helped support life-like manikins for vital education purposes, critical research, parent programs and more!

Thank you for your generosity and support. Together we can make a difference for these families and babies!