Those close to us know that Josh and I struggled to get pregnant for years & after multiple rounds of IVF, we got the news that we were pregnant! I had an uneventful pregnancy up until the very end...

I was told I needed to deliver no later than 39 weeks due to my Advanced Maternal Age and fertility issues, but my OB was unable to get me to the top of the induction list. Thankfully, I work for the health system, so I was able to secure an induction at a sister facility. After a swift admission (at 40 weeks 1 day), bloodwork showed severe pre-eclampsia & HELLP syndrome. I was given Magnesium Sulfate which complicated my labor & messed with my head – at one point I asked my husband why we were even in the hospital. About 30 hours later I was taken off the Magnesium Sulfate so I could push. After 3.5 hours of pushing and unsuccessful vacuum attempts, our son Jack was born. He weighed 7lbs 3oz. NICU nurses were waiting for him in our room - he didn’t make a sound and was blue, limp, and lifeless. It was the scariest moment of our lives. The team intubated him and started chest compressions and he was immediately taken to the NICU. Jack spent 11 days there and recovered from a pneumothorax, oxygenation issues, and enlarged dilated ventricles. Jack’s time in the NICU, was scary and stressful, but it also created life-long friends. The NICU nurses that took care of Jack became our friends, mentors, and cheerleaders. We kept in touch with our NICU team – and ironically less than 2 years later – at 33 weeks 5 days – I delivered our second son. This delivery was thankfully textbook – but Charlie was obviously sent right back to the NICU given his age. He spent 3 weeks with the same amazing team of angels at the Wellstar Cobb NICU.

I was honored to be selected as a Project NICU Ambassador this year. My main objective was to not only give back to the team of professionals that gave our family so much, but to also give back to the families currently on the rollercoaster that is the NICU journey. Our hope is to make things a little easier for them, put a smile on their face, and let them know that they aren’t alone on the NICU journey.

I plan to deliver 100 care packages over 3 drops to Wellstar Cobb NICU families this year. The first drop will be in December for the holidays, the second in March to celebrate Charlie’s graduation, and the third in July to celebrate Jack’s graduation. Project NICU is providing bags, as well as a few other items from a group of incredible partners. Our family would like to include other items in the bags to gift the families through donations.

Gifts made through this campaign are tax-deductible and will go directly to supporting Wellstar Cobb NICU babies, families, and medical professionals.

We also have an Amazon Wish List for the care packages if you would prefer to order an item(s) from there:
Click Here for Team Thomas Amazon Wish List

We thank you in advance for any support you provide, whether it is $1 or $10…every bit helps support these families.

With much love,
Josh, Katie, Jack and Charlie Thomas

Project NICU offers connection, support and community to all involved in the NICU Journey. From NICU Care Packages, Peer Support, Graduate Programming, events and more we are here for every step of the journey. Led by NICU Parents, our programs are designed with first hand experience with support by NICU medical professionals on our advisory board to truly create an environment where families and NICU Teams can feel supported.

Team Thomas: NICU Times Two

By Project NICU

Team Thomas: NICU Times Two

Team Members