About ICU baby
ICU baby’s mission is to unite NICU families and provide emotional, financial, and informational support so that babies and families can thrive together.
OUR MILESTONES
ICU baby is transforming the NICU experience so that parents feel more empowered, babies feel more nurtured, families feel more connected, and communities offer more support.
December 2014
The NICU Families Fund is established by Elizabeth Simonton and her husband Louis Freeman as a fiscal sponsorship fund.
February 2015
Baptist Health System’s South Miami Hospital NICU Administration approves an initiative to provide NICU families with tote bags that contain essential NICU supplies.
March 2015
The first event is held to benefit South Miami Hospital’s NICU families. The community support is overwhelming and the momentum to broaden the mission of the NICU Families Fund begins.
May 2015
A team of women passionate about support for NICU families join Elizabeth to expand the NICU Families Fund. Nichole Aldrich serves as Co-Founder with Elizabeth and Leah GM Jayanetti and Ani Buraglia serve as Founding Board Members.
June 2015
The NICU Families Fund officially becomes ICU baby.
November 2015
ICU baby launches its Parent-to-Parent Support and NICU Pack Programs at South Miami Hospital.
March 2016
ICU baby launches its Supper of Support at South Miami Hospital.
April 2016
ICU baby has its first official fundraiser – Raising the Stakes.
November 2016
ICU baby launches its Parent-to-Parent Support and NICU Pack Programs at Holtz Children’s Hospital at UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
January 2017
ICU baby launches its Supper of Support at Holtz Children’s Hospital.
August 2017
ICU baby’s Transportation Assistance Program is unveiled at Holtz Children’s Hospital.
October 2017
ICU baby introduces its signature fundraising event Celebration of Miracles – A Night Under the Stars.
November 2017
ICU baby launches its first Give Miami Day campaign and raises over $25,000 to support its programs.
June 2018
The first Cuisine & Crafts event is held at Holtz Children’s Hospital.
September 2018
The Transportation Assistance Program is launched at South Miami Hospital.
October 2018
ICU baby hires its first employee – Vanesa Salvo, as Volunteer Coordinator.
November 2018
ICU baby launches its Tiny Miracles Campaign for Give Miami Day and raises almost $45,000 to support its programs.
January 2019
The ICU read Program is started in both hospitals.
March 2019
Cuisine & Crafts becomes a permanent program at South Miami Hospital.
May 2019
ICU baby has its second Celebration of Miracles event – Havana Nights.
May 2019
ICU baby wins Inspire 305 Trailblazer Award.
July 2019
ICU baby officially leaves the Key Biscayne Community Foundation to stand as an independent charitable organization.
March 2020
ICU baby launches its NICU Strong COVID Relief Plan.
April 2020
Tele-Support begins at both hospitals.
August 2020
ICU baby’s Youth Ambassador Program is introduced.
September 2020
ICU baby wins the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Novo Award.
November 2020
ICU baby holds its first World Prematurity Car Parade at South Miami Hospital.
March 2021
FPQC Director Award given to ICU baby’s CEO and Parent Advisors.
November 2021
ICU baby holds its first annual HOPE Parade community walk.
January 2022
Bedside Support resumes at South Miami Hospital after COVID-19 threat decreases.
May 2022
ICU baby recives a Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Award.
May 2022
ICU baby’s annual fundraising event returns – A Celebration of Miracles, La Dolce Vita.
October 2022
ICU baby’s My NICU Baby Book is added to the NICU Packs, launching the NEST Program.
November 2022
ICU baby’s 2nd Annual Hope Parade takes place at Zoo Miami with nearly 1000 attendees.
January 2023
Meaningful Meals is fully re-launched after the pandemic.
April 2023
The NEST Program is officially launched with 36 NICU informational videos.
May 2023
Celebration of Miracles – Roaring 20s Casino Night – is hosted at Four Seasons | Brickell.
August 2023
ICU baby’s Youth Ambassador Program expands to include chapters at local middle and high schools.
October 2023
ICU baby launches its own App.
November 2023
ICU baby launches its NEST Program in Mt. Sinai Medical Center.
November 2023
ICU baby launches its NEST Program in HCA Florida University Hospital.
November 2023
ICU baby launches its Transportation Assistance Program and NEST Program in Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Hospital.
November 2023
ICU baby hosts its first Little Miracles Luncheon and unveils the Runway of Hope.