November is Prematurity Awareness Month. An estimated 15 million babies around the world are born premature each year and approximately one million of them do not survive their early birth. Events nationwide are scheduled all throughout the month. I love seeing buildings and landmarks light up in purple to symbolize hope for a healthy start for more babies. Through strong organizations such as March of Dimes and Parent Advisory Councils helping to raise awareness and by sharing stories we get one step closer to defeating prematurity.

Our NICU Parent Advisory Council that I’m co-chair of wanted to do something to honor the amazing work of both nurses and hospital staff. They work tirelessly—in hurricanes and blizzards—to take care of the precious babies they are charged with.  I made an inspirational poster using one my my daughter Lauren’s pictures from our time in the NICU.

To show a token of our love and appreciation we did a breakfast event—catered and generously donated by Whataburger. On Tuesday, November 21st from 7-10 am nurses and staff enjoyed warm delicious honey butter chicken biscuit sandwiches.

Everyone was so excited and appreciative. It was wonderful to be a part of this special event.  I am looking forward to Nurse Appreciation week in May!