Local non-profit to send letters of support to NICU mom’s in hospital

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Volunteers across the nation are bringing hope to moms in the NICU through a holiday card.

“Our hope is that they don’t have to do anything, they just get to receive. And so this card is really special because it starts here, but then it’s delivered to a veteran NICU mom who then personalizes herself and delivers it to the NICU that her baby spent time in. So, it’s really a cool full circle opportunity and just a really meaningful way for moms to give back, but for us to have a chance to love on these moms,” said Ashley Ham, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Dear NICU Mama.

Ashley Ham, Co-Founder of Dear NICU Mama, started the non-profit back in 2019 after having her son born at 28 weeks old in the NICU. She said that after connecting with Martha Mink, now Co-Founder, who experienced similar feelings of isolation, trauma, and loneliness, they wanted to do something for women in the same community.

“The NICU transforms you, it changes you. You just have a whole new outlook on life and a whole new gratitude for life, and you really celebrate everything that your child can do,” said Ham.

Currently, over 31,000 families have reached out to be a part of the Dear NICU Mama community. From support groups, podcasts, webinars, letters, and more recently the release of a new children’s book titled “Right on Time,” the group continues to build more support for moms.

“Our hope is that this outreach and the work that we do can just really be a gentle reminder that there is a community of women and families who are with you, you are not alone, you can do this. So we just hope this just brings a little joy this holiday season,” said Ham.

This year, the group is sending 4,200 cards to moms in the NICU.