NICU Awareness Month: A Personal Journey and Our Commitment to Miracle Babies
Posted on September 02 2024
September is NICU Awareness Month—a time dedicated to recognizing the challenges faced by newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and the families who stand by them. At Bodyography, this month holds profound significance as we reflect on a journey that has deeply touched our hearts and shaped our mission.
A Personal Connection to the NICU
In May 2023, our founder, Lori Leib, found herself in the midst of a life-altering experience. Complications during her second pregnancy led to Lori being hospitalized for three weeks. On July 3rd, 2023, a Placenta Abruption resulted in the premature birth of her son, Baby Jones, at just 25 weeks. Weighing just over 1 pound, Baby Jones began his fight for life in the NICU, a place where every minute matters.
For 104 days, Lori and her husband, Paul, navigated the emotional highs and lows that come with having a child in the NICU. The uncertainty, fear, and hope became a daily reality. Fortunately, Scripps Hospital had a partnership with Miracle Babies, an organization dedicated to supporting families during these critical times. Miracle Babies provided Lori and her family with crucial emotional support, allowing her to be by Baby Jones’ side every day.
The Importance of Miracle Babies
Miracle Babies is not just a charity; it is a lifeline for families facing one of the toughest challenges imaginable. The organization focuses on alleviating the financial burdens that perinatal and NICU/CTICU parents often face, especially regarding transportation expenses. By reducing these stresses, Miracle Babies enables families to spend more time with their infants, which is crucial for the babies' development and health outcomes.
While Lori was fortunate to take time off work to be with Baby Jones, not all families have that opportunity. This is where Miracle Babies steps in—providing transportation to and from the NICU, food, diaper support, and emotional assistance. Their mission resonates deeply with us at Bodyography, especially after Lori’s personal experience.
Our Partnership with Miracle Babies
Bodyography has a history of supporting Miracle Babies, previously providing products for new mother gift bags. However, Lori’s journey has brought a new level of personal significance to this partnership. We are proud to announce that Miracle Babies will be our 2024 Charitable Partner.
This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a commitment to supporting families during one of the most challenging times of their lives. By aligning with Miracle Babies, we hope to contribute to their incredible work and help ease the burdens faced by NICU families.
Join Us in Supporting NICU Families
As we observe NICU Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in supporting Miracle Babies. Whether through donations, raising awareness, or simply sharing this story, every bit of support makes a difference. Together, we can help ensure that more families receive the care and support they need during their NICU journey.
At Bodyography, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and resilience. This September, we stand with NICU families and celebrate the strength of the tiniest fighters and their dedicated families.
For more information about Miracle Babies and how you can support, visit Miracle Babies.