Have you heard of Pierce’s Project? They are a non-profit fund, managed by Novant Healthcare Foundation which serves families of micropreemies and chronically ill infants at all stages of their journey – before, during, and after NICU stays for the greater Charlotte area. I never knew they existed until I found myself at Hemby’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit a little over a year ago. I was sitting in a chair watching my baby fight for her life in the incubator and a lady came by and handed me a bag. This bag was more than just a bag; it was a care package and just what I needed. Inside, I found a pen, journal, hand sanitizer, cooler and a folder with some helpful information in it.
Pierce’s Project was the first group of real people I had encountered that had been in my shoes and knew what it was like. They catered Chick-fil-A to the NICU families every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm. This was the time I found out more about Pierce’s Project and what a great support group they were. Their mission is to offer love and support to other families facing situations similar to theirs. If you haven’t been in the NICU, then you wouldn’t know what it’s like. You are in a pod which holds about 6 babies. Each baby is a patient so you can’t really talk to the nurses about what’s going on with them. At these dinners, you are able to meet other parents and discuss what’s going on with your baby and theirs. You are also able to meet with Pierce’s Projects representatives and discuss what they know about the NICU journey.
Did you know at Hemby’s NICU you have to pay $3/day for parking for the first 30 days? Well, not anymore! Thank you Pierce’s Project for adopting a new parking program which became effective June 17, 2015! Although the program was not in effect when I was there; it’s a wonderful program considering you can save about $90 over the course of a month on parking. One less thing to stress about!
Pierce’s Project also hosts events around Charlotte, for example; an Easter Egg Hunt, Premature Oktoberfest, and a Germ-Conscious Santa. If you would like to get involved or donate please Click Here and you will be directed to Pierce’s Project website.