As you may already know, our daughter Sienna was born on September 10, 2020. Sienna was born over eight weeks early and weighed 3 lbs. 6 oz. Due to this unexpected entrance into the world it was necessary for Sienna to spend 55 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital.

These 55 days were some of the hardest days of our lives. The progress, setbacks, highs, and lows that are experienced as a NICU parent are unimaginable. One constant throughout our time at the NICU was the incredible staff which held our hands throughout Sienna’s entire stay. The doctors, nurses, therapists, administrative staff, and everyone else working in the NICU treated our daughter like their own and truly played a massive part in the child she is today.

To honor these amazing individuals, we will be participating in in the NICUSTRONG Walk 2022.

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.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital 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!

Please consider supporting this walk with a meaningful amount – just $10, $25, or $50 – will make a significant difference! Gifts can be made to my personal page (link below).

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