@NICUHandToHold

Patient Leader

I am the founder of Hand to Hold and mother of two children born preterm–Jackson born at 24 weeks in 2000 and Lauren born at 34 weeks in 2003. Over the past 10 years I've worked to raise awareness of the growing problem of preterm birth and to support families who share my experience. Hand to Hold provides online and in-person support and materials to families with children in neonatal intensive care (NICU) as well as bereaved families of infants. Hand to Hold’s NICU Now podcast is available via iTunes and Stitcher, reaching 1,000+ listeners a week less than three months after February 2017 launch; it has been downloaded in 45 of 50 United States and 28 countries on six continents.

Location

Austin, TX

Nominations

This organization was started by a NICU who understands the process, the emotions, fears and questions related to the NICU journey. The podcast makes this support available 24/7 for families, no matter where they are, removing so many barriers to traditional family support. They now have a series available for staff bringing support to caregivers. — Sara

Hand to Hold's blog ensures parents they are not alone. A combination of helpful articles authored by NICU professionals, valuable information on prematurity and the NICU, and stories from parent voices sharing their own experiences, NICU parents come to the blog for resources, information, and touching stories of strength and healing. — Leigh Ann