As all of you know our daughter Leah Faith Rys was born on February 12, 2022 weighing 3 lbs 5 ounces. Despite her weight she has been the strongest little human that we could have ever asked for as parents. She has been our life and strength since she has entered the world. She continues to amaze us everyday by all of her accomplishments and milestones she has already met. Leah has helped us grow as parents and she has taught us more about ourselves than we ever knew we could learn. She is our life, love, happiness, and strength everyday of our lives. To say we are blessed is an understatement. You are the strongest 2.5 year old I have ever met. Please continue to be yourself and smile, grow, and light up every room you enter. Also, continue to be the best big sister to Baby Tyler. He loves you more than you will ever know and he will always look up to you and admire your strength, determination, and will to accomplish anything you put your mind to. We love you to the moon, stars, mountains, oceans and back again my mini Monkey !

My team and I are participating in the 2023 NICUSTRONG Walk. All money raised will fund innovative treatment, cutting-edge equipment, much-needed research and support for our patients and families of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Hackensack Meridian Children's Health Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital.

We 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!).

In 2018, NICUSTRONG was formed in support of these babies and their families. Since its inception, the walk has raised more than $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!

We hope you will support our team – $25, $50, $100 or any amount – will make a significant difference!

Thank you for supporting our team and we encourage you to join us at the walk as well! Registration is quick and easy and you can get a NICUSTRONG Family Fun Kit…click the Join A Team button and complete the registration process. Together we can make a bigger impact.

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