The Gonzalez Family will be participating in the NICUSTRONG Walk 2024!

When I was admitted to L&D on October 23rd, 2023, nobody knew what was suddenly and rapidly going wrong with my pregnancy. The team at Hackensack University Medical Center covered every base to ensure that no matter what may lie ahead, my baby would have the best chance at survival. On Halloween, at 29 weeks and 5 days, my baby girl came into the world, weighing in at 2 lbs 7.5 oz and crying her tiny cry... in spite of the warnings I was given that her birth would be silent.

For the next 79 days the NICU at Hackensack was her home. As painful as it was to be away from my baby, I knew she was exactly where she needed to be. The only thing that made this experience bearable was witnessing the level of care she received every single day of her stay. From assuring the cameras made accesible to parents to look in on their babies are positioned properly, to fielding phone calls from worried parents around the clock, the nurses are the true stars of this operation. Every nurse who cared for Cecilia did so with the expertise and intention, and the teams of various medical professionals used every tool at their disposal to optimize my daughter's health and long term outcomes.

All money raised from the NICUSTRONG Walk funds innovative treatment, cutting-edge equipment, much-needed research and support for the babies and families of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. The NICU admits over 900 newborns each year, so the need for innovative treatment and care is great. Approximately 80 of those newborns weigh less than 1,500 grams (that is approximately 3lbs 5oz) - our Ceci was one of those babies!

Without the treatment provided during her time in the NICU, Cecilia may very well not be here with us today, spreading pure joy with her 24/7 smile everywhere she goes. We owe everything to them, and this is a small way we can give back. This establishment's ability to care for the most vulnerable babies is made stronger with our generosity and support. Please consider supporting this walk - any and all contributions are significant. Together we can make a difference for families and babies just like our own!