I will be participating in the NICUSTRONG 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 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!). 

Maysie was one of these babies. She was born at an estimated 28 weeks+4 days, at 1180g (2lbs 9.6oz). She was transferred to Hackensack a few hours after she was born because HUMC-Pascack Valley was not equipped to handle babies under 32 weeks and she needed an oxygen machine that was only available at Hackensack. Skin-to-skin contact has been proven to do wonders for babies, but the shortage of "kangaroo" chairs and other essential supplies made the process of trying to hold and care for preemies unnecessarily stressful. During Maysie's 120-day NICU stay, she received blankets, books, headbands, Halloween costumes, and other items while we were able to attend multiple NICU orientation and caregiver classes.

In 2018, NICUSTRONG was formed in support of these babies and their families, families like ours. 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 (http://give.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/site/TR/Events/HackensackUniversityMedicalCenter?px=2270920&pg=personal&fr_id=2072) or mailed to me directly at (764 New Bridge Rd. Apt#2E Teaneck, NJ 07666). 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!