Many of you know that our son, Jackson, was born weighing only 2lbs 9 ounces at 31 weeks gestation. Having a baby born prematurely has been an eye-opening, and at times, a whirlwind experience. No one ever imagines having a baby born early. No one ever imagines the heart-ache of having to leave your teeny-tiny baby at the hospital NICU while you are discharged to go home.
Leaving the hospital without our child was the most difficult thing we have ever had to do. It was during our sons NICU stay that we connected with Lindsay Franks, the founder of Pierce's Project.
Pierce's Project is a non-profit fund, managed by Novant Healthcare Foundation which serves families of micro-preemies and chronically ill infants at all stages of their journey- before, during and after NICU stays. Through Pierce's Project, we have been able to connect with other families that have babies born prematurely. We have been able to share in the developmental struggles, the developmental milestones, and built a great network of families and friends to both us and our son.
Jackson will be turning SIX this August! He is a very bright child; Adorable in every way. He is the absolute light of our lives. We laugh at him and with him every, single day. We are so blessed! Jackson has come so far because of services that have been provided to him. Jackson has required assistance to reach milestones through Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy appointments. We are proud of our little guy and how strong and determined he is!
In addition to creating a network of support for ourselves, we have been able to give back to other parents of premature babies. Lauren sits on the board for Pierce's Project and attends the support events that are specifically designed for parents who have babies in the NICU. Talking to these parents about their experience has been very rewarding and therapeutic for us.
With 1 in 9 babies born too soon, our country’s rate is higher than that of most high-income countries. Each year approximately 250-300 micro preemies (babies born under 27 weeks and/or 2 lbs) are born in Charlotte. It is our hope that each and every one of their families will find support in Pierce's Project. Please help us in supporting this fantastic mission!
Please join us in raising funds for the 5th Annual Premature Oktoberfest event, benefitting local NICU families.
