It all began with my journey as a Black NICU mom. On January 2, 2021, I gave birth to my second daughter (and first NICU warrior)- Grace Elaine. Grace was born at 35 weeks, unable to breathe on her own. The NICU journey was the most challenging experience I had ever faced as a parent. Leaving the maternity ward without my little one, not understanding her prognosis, navigating daily shifts and visits to the hospital, and more, left me exhausted, overwhelmed, and scared.

And then on September 19, 2022, I gave birth to my third daughter (and second NICU warrior)- Joy Symone. I was numb. I couldn’t believe I was part of the NICU parent club… again. Unfortunately, the same fears and challenges left me lost and shattered as I navigated what felt like a never-ending journey to get my daughter home safely.

After two NICU experiences, I was compelled to do more. It became my personal mission to try to make the NICU stay more comfortable, more informative, and more bearable, particularly for families of color who have to also face the burden of racial disparities and lower quality care.

This is how the Elaine Symone Foundation was birthed, in honor of my two NICU warriors and all NICU warriors and families across the country.