FROM FOUNDER PAM FRASCO...

Having a NICU baby can happen to anyone. It can happen to you or someone you know.

It can be a very isolating and confusing... and after it happens, the way of life as you know it changes instantly.

As a mother of two babies born prematurely, I have experienced not one, but two NICU stays and the heaviness that comes along with bringing a baby into the world too soon. 

When delivering our sons Santino (at 31 weeks), and Salvatore (at 30 weeks), we were fortunate enough to have lots of shoulders to lean on. Although there were many folks around us, we still felt very alone in our journey.

Project NICU was born out of the love and support of family and friends, our desire to give back to the community that meant so much to our family during several months of our lives, and the distinct need for connection for parents like us who were experiencing such a traumatic event.

I longed for connection with someone who had been in the NICU and when I found it through a friend, I finally felt less alone. Her small gift of a journal, and the gift of a knit hat from a local church, would inspire what our care packages are today.

I envisioned a place where NICU parents could share stories, get hope and connection from one another. Support tokens given to a new family just admitted to the hospital, letting them know someone was thinking of them. A community where there would be someone to talk to without judgement or fear. Events where parents could see former nurses, or NICU families that may have been at their hospital at the same time! I wanted a way for parents like myself who wanted to give back to those that have come after us and celebrate these incredible medical teams that work miracles minute by minute. And finally for something that would grow with its members and become whatever it was meant to and needed to be.

I am grateful for all that find their way here.

For all that have helped Project NICU continue to help and recognize so many. There are so many people that have spent countless helping to expand our efforts each day.

My boys know that they didn’t get to come home from the hospital right away like most babies do after they were born. They know they were small and needed some extra time to grow and get better. They have “grown up” knowing we do things to support NICU babies and their families. One of the things that was important to me when creating this space was making sure they knew that even though they were so small, they inspired something REALLY big. The inclusion of the wishing flower in our logo does just that. My kids have always loved picking dandelions that are ready to displace their seeds, and “making a wish” when blowing them. My wish for this community is that it continues to grow year after so that no family ever feels alone and all medical teams are celebrated the best way possible!