Paying It Forward for Families in the NICU

“It’s never too early to involve your kids in giving back.”

In honor of his second birthday, Brantley, along with his parents, Lisa and Scott, dropped off a special delivery to some of the team in the neonatal intensive care unit. Lisa and Scott know all too well how important the team in the NICU is during the first few hours, days, and weeks in a premature baby’s life.

In early January 2021, Lisa was transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center by ambulance – in labor, four weeks before her due date. Brantley entered the world just under five pounds and in good health. Unfortunately, due to an initial positive COVID test, Mom and Dad would have to wait to see their son. “The NICU staff are angels. They set up a Facetime call with us so we could see and talk to Brantley.” The three were reunited 36 hours later and the NICU staff continued their remarkable care of the new family.

With help from family and friends, Brantley collected clothes, personal items, and snacks for other NICU families.  “No one ever expects to end up spending time in the NICU with their baby, but it’s a wonderful feeling to know that the families that do end up there will have some special gifts waiting for them to help make their stay a bit easier.”