I will be participating 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.

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!).

Our baby boy Daniel Jr was born premature on Dec.2,2021 and was rushed to the NICU for life saving care. He was diagnosed with Pierre Robin Sequence and a cleft palate. Due to his recessed jaw and cleft palate, he wasn't able to drink from a bottle or breastfeed,so he received all his feeds through a feeding tube. He couldn't maintain his own airway and eventually was put on oxygen. When his airway was no longer stable, we were told he was going to need jaw distraction surgery to extend his lower jaw, which would open his airway over time. He had his surgery at 6 weeks old and was on a ventilator for 9 long days. He was finally able to go home after 76 days in the NICU and is now thriving :) The NICU staff at Hackensack Hospital saved our son and we want to raise money so they can continue saving the lives of all future NICU babies.

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) or mailed to me directly at (INSERT MAILING ADDRESS). All checks may be made out to “Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation” and "NICU STRONG" in the memo field.Please consider supporting me with a meaningful amount – $25, $50, $100 or any amount – will make a significant difference!

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