NICU care can feel like a marathon . . .
Sherita’s son TyQuell was born at 24 weeks, weighing 1 lb., 11 ounces. Now 6 months old, he weighs 14 pounds. Growing stronger every day, he’s getting closer to the time when he can finally leave the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) behind. “We can’t wait for him to come home so we can love and spoil him,” Sherita exclaims. NICU care can feel like a marathon. Requiring endurance, strength, and holding tight to the belief that you’ll make it to that finish line.
TyQuell needed donor milk right after birth and we made sure it was there for him. We made sure he would have what he needed to protect his health and help him grow. Running the Boston Marathon for Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast for the third time, Maureen Cummings recognizes the importance of our work. A pediatric nurse practitioner, she understands the needs of medically fragile babies.
We can do hard things . . .
Technically a disabled runner, (having required two spinal fusions), Maureen was once told she would never run again. But, “I get out there and show others we can do hard things. We don’t have to let a disability define us,” she explains. Not unlike stays in the NICU, marathon running is about overcoming obstacles.
Maureen dedicates each mile to the families we serve. She gathers strength from our community of generous milk donors who help make sure each baby gets the nutrition they need. “I send positive thoughts to each family, and this helps me get through those tough miles.” She races for babies like Demitri, born early and in need of donor milk. A true NICU warrior, Demitri, his mom Nicki and big sister Ro have cheered Maureen on since day one. Together, the original Team Preemie has raised so much awareness of nonprofit milk banking.
Making milestones possible . . .
Our milk bank is located in Newton, MA, the city with the most marathon course miles. Newton is a community of families, of people who care for each other, who live here so their children can grow and flourish. It’s the perfect location for an organization committed to helping families bring their babies home from the hospital. Committed to making milestones possible.
The funds raised through Maureen’s hard-fought miles go a long way for the approximately 17,000 babies we serve. Last year we were able to upgrade some lab equipment and increase our milk processing, which allowed us to support the most babies in our 18-year history. Thankful? That doesn’t even begin to cover it. And getting to team up with Maureen for the third year in a row? We’re beyond lucky – and we know it!
Can you join us in this effort to help babies grow strong and reach their critical milestones? Can you invest in the future, one tiny life at a time? The finish line is in sight – let’s reach it together.
We can’t wait to cheer on our girl, Maureen, this April 15th. Feeling inspired? There are tons of great ways to get involved and make a difference for babies in need. Supercharge Maureen’s miles by making a donation today. Prefer to make a little noise in honor of Team Preemie? Well, you’re in luck! Currently searching for cheerleaders, we’d love to hear from you. Message news@milkbankne.org if you’re interested in celebrating our crew this race day.
