parents who have RECEIVED kits:

We are so grateful for the NICU kits my husband and I received in 2019.
When my husband arrived to the hospital at 3am -  he didn’t have anything but the clothes he was wearing. With his wife hours away in another hospital, just having a major surgery - leaving her, and the other twin behind and flying with the other twin who was fighting for his life he had plenty to worry about. The box had some basic hygiene items and coffee that helped ease his NICU stay.

 
When I was released from the hospital and arrived to the NICU, my brain was a whirlwind. Although I had time to go home and grab things before leaving home I had forgot so much! I couldn’t believe the thought that went into the NICU kit. Things like breast pads, deodorant, toothbrush and menstrual pads- and the sweet note in the box from Jackson’s parents. 

In a time when your world is flipped upside down and you feel so alone. It was nice to know we were thought of and not alone. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

I was working the night that Jackson was life-flighted to our unit. Jackson's dad came with him on the flight, as his mom had to stay behind since she had just had a baby. At the time we didn't have anything to offer Shelby as far as toiletries or snacks - just a room to lay down in. Jackson lived for 10 days and passed away peacefully in his parent's arms in a room full of love. Codi and Shelby wanted to turn Jackson's death into something positive which seemed impossible - but they did it! They put together care boxes to be handed out to parents who showed up in the middle of the night or day with nothing because all they could focus on was their sick infant. I am always excited to give the parents a box full of snacks, water, coffee cards, toothbrushes and toothpaste and so much more - it makes me SO proud to hand them a box full of comfort and love. Thank you Jackson, Codi and Shelby - you're all SO loved!

The NICU survival kits that the Jackson Strong Foundation provides are a life-saver for families in crisis. Most NICU admissions to the NICU are unplanned. Nobody puts the NICU in their birth plan. They're often life flighted into us, and they leave with just themselves and a very sick baby. They are shell shocked as they enter a very busy NICU unit, and are without many of the basic daily essentials and limited means to obtain them easily. These kits help fill that gap - and they are a warm hug in the middle of crisis. They are a blessing to the nursing staff to have something to give these terrified parents.