I will be participating in the NICUSTRONG Walk on September 10th, 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 our Rockstar Ruthie spent her first 14 days of life in this very NICU. Due to pregnancy complications from my placenta previa Ruthie almost entered the world at 28 weeks. We were incredibly fortunate and lucky that we were able to buy some time and hold off until 33 weeks.The facilities and equipment At Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital are top notch. We were met with exceptionally knoweledgeable and compassionate specialists, neonatologists, doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants. We knew Ruthie was in the safest possible place and in very capable and loving hands. Those 14 days were truly the hardest days of our lives. We want to give back to the hospital that not only gave Ruthie her start to the world, but who also helped us navigate this incredibly difficult time. We also want to give back to other families dealing with the heartbreaking reality of what all goes into having a NICU baby.

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!

Please consider supporting this walk with a meaningful amount – just $5, $10, $25, or $50 – will make a significant difference! Gifts can be made to my personal page or mailed to me directly. All checks may be made out to “Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation” and "NICU STRONG" in the memo field. Feel free to also "Join my Team" and either join us in person on the walk on September 10th or help raise additional money with your own personal network!

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

Brittany Moeller