March of Dimes Do-It-Yourself Fundraising

Leading the Fight for the Health of all Moms and Babies

The health of moms and babies during, before, and after pregnancy are overlooked. I want to make it more well known and help those struggling.

I am partnering with March of Dimes to lead a NICU Family Care Kit Drive, supporting families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). March of Dimes aims to enhance the health of mothers and infants through research, advocacy, and programs that provide essential support during pregnancy and beyond, helping families navigate unexpected NICU stays.

One summer, my family and I traveled to India to visit family, and I had the opportunity of shadowing doctors at the pediatrics section of a hospital. It was comforting to see the mothers cradling their babies as doctors worked to ensure everyone received adequate care. When I returned home, I researched how the United States compares in healthcare compared to other countries, specifically maternal. Unsurprisingly, the United States ranks quite poorly against other highly resourced countries.  

Mothers who don't have access to adequate maternal healthcare experience higher rates of premature births than those who do. These preterm births can result in serious long-term health problems for babies. Nearly 1 in 10 babies in the United States are born prematurely, and many require NICU care. These stays are often unexpected and incredibly stressful, creating emotional overwhelm for families. Even if it's just a small amount, I hope that these NICU kits can offer small personal comfort items for family members to remind them they are not alone. I aim to create 30 NICU kits in 30 days that include various items:

 - Travel-size toiletries (lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
 - Cozy socks
 - Lip balm
 - Hand sanitizer
 - Cleansing wipes
 - Kleenex
 - Handwritten notes of support

Each NICU kit costs $15.00. Please support my initiative by donating a specified number of kits (in multiples of $15.00). If you would like to include a personal note for
each family, please include it in the "personal message" textbox when confirming your donation, and I will write the note when assembling the kits. Handwritten notes are optional when donating but are strongly encouraged as they can provide solace for the families receiving them!

I have provided a sample note below:
Dear NICU Family,
I may not know you, but I want you to understand that you are not alone. You are
strong, and so is
your baby. I hope this small kit comforts you and reminds you that many people are
cheering you on.
One day at a time. You’ve got this.
With love and support,
[Your Name]

I will be delivering the kits to a local hospital in late September (NICU awareness month) in partnership with March of Dimes.

I'm excited to be part of this campaign to empower families by supporting them before, during and after pregnancy. The funds I raise will go to the creation and distribution of hand-assembled toiletry kits to mothers and babies in the NICU, offering comfort items to families who may feel stressed. My goal is to raise enough money to assemble 30 kits within 30 days. 

Thank you for your support. Every donation makes a difference!

More information regarding NICU and preterm births can be found on the March of
Dimes website!