We will be participating in the Virtual NICU STRONG Walk 2023. 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 girls were born at 25 weeks through an emergency c-section. I had severe preeclampsia. My kidneys were failing, there was water on my lungs and I had severe edema. My blood pressure was at a very high, dangerous, life threatening number. In order to save my life, the girls needed to be born before they even had the chance to develop. Kara weighed 1.01lbs and Maria 1.73lbs(microptreemies). As I have been told (because I don't remember much), my husband might have lost all 3 of us that day. My girls kept fighting. So i made sure I fought as hard as them. With the help of my husband , I pushed myself out of that bed and pushed myself to walk and do things so I could get better for my girls.  5 months in the NICU , 2 surgeries ,feeding tubes,  countless breathing mechanisms and 1 month at Children's Specialized Hospital, my girls came home. They are going to be 4 years old!  

Everyday was a miracle. Everyday IS a miracle. My doctor, along with all the other doctors and nurses throughout our experience not only saved my daughters but also saved me. Never giving up on us. This is a debt I can never repay and am forever grateful.

Our family decided to support this amazing cause because it is very personal for us. 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 $225,000, 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). Please consider supporting us.  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!