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.

Baby icon - ICU baby

December 2014

The NICU Families Fund is established by Elizabeth Simonton and her husband Louis Freeman as a fiscal sponsorship fund.

ICU baby Tote Bags

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.

Parent-to-Parent Support

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.

ICU baby team

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.

ICU baby

June 2015

The NICU Families Fund officially becomes ICU baby.

Baptist South Miami Hospital - ICU baby

November 2015

ICU baby launches its Parent-to-Parent Support and NICU Pack Programs at South Miami Hospital.

ICU baby's Supper of Support

March 2016

ICU baby launches its Supper of Support at South Miami Hospital.

ICU baby's Raising the Stakes

April 2016

ICU baby has its first official fundraiser – Raising the Stakes.

Holtz Children's Hospital at UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center

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.

ICU baby's Supper of Support

January 2017

ICU baby launches its Supper of Support at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

ICU baby's Transportation Assistance

August 2017

ICU baby’s Transportation Assistance Program is unveiled at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

A Night Under the Stars

October 2017

ICU baby introduces its signature fundraising event Celebration of Miracles – A Night Under the Stars.

ICU baby & Give Miami Day

November 2017

ICU baby launches its first Give Miami Day campaign and raises over $25,000 to support its programs.

ICU baby's Cuisine & Crafts

June 2018

The first Cuisine & Crafts event is held at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

ICU baby's Transportation Assistance

September 2018

The Transportation Assistance Program is launched at South Miami Hospital.

ICU baby's Employees

October 2018

ICU baby hires its first employee – Vanesa Salvo, as Volunteer Coordinator.

ICU baby on Give Miami Day

November 2018

ICU baby launches its Tiny Miracles Campaign for Give Miami Day and raises almost $45,000 to support its programs.

ICU read

January 2019

The ICU read Program is started in both hospitals.

ICU baby's Cuisine & Crafts

March 2019

Cuisine & Crafts becomes a permanent program at South Miami Hospital.

ICU baby's Havana Nights

May 2019

ICU baby has its second Celebration of Miracles event – Havana Nights.

ICU baby & Inspire305

May 2019

ICU baby wins Inspire 305 Trailblazer Award.

ICU baby

July 2019

ICU baby officially leaves the Key Biscayne Community Foundation to stand as an independent charitable organization.

ICU baby COVID Response graphic

March 2020

ICU baby launches its NICU Strong COVID Relief Plan.

ICU baby Telesupport graphic

April 2020

Tele-Support begins at both hospitals.

ICU baby's Youth Ambassador Program graphic

August 2020

ICU baby’s Youth Ambassador Program is introduced.

Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Novo Award

September 2020

ICU baby wins the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Novo Award.

World Prematurity Parade graphic

November 2020

ICU baby holds its first World Prematurity Car Parade at South Miami Hospital.

FPQC Director Award

March 2021

FPQC Director Award given to ICU baby’s CEO and Parent Advisors.

ICU baby holds its first annual HOPE Parade

November 2021

ICU baby holds its first annual HOPE Parade community walk.

Bedside support at South Miami Hospital

January 2022

Bedside Support resumes at South Miami Hospital after COVID-19 threat decreases.

Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Award Winner

May 2022

ICU baby recives a Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Award.

A Celebration of Miracles - La Dolce Vita

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.

ICU baby holds its first annual HOPE Parade

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.

A Celebration of Miracles - La Dolce Vita

May 2023

Celebration of Miracles – Roaring 20s Casino Night – is hosted at Four Seasons | Brickell.

ICU baby Youth Ambassadors

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.

ICU baby's NEST at Mount Sinai

November 2023

ICU baby launches its NEST Program in Mt. Sinai Medical Center.

ICU baby's NEST at HCA Florida Hospital

November 2023

ICU baby launches its NEST Program in HCA Florida University Hospital.

ICU baby's Transportation Assistance Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital

November 2023

ICU baby launches its Transportation Assistance Program and NEST Program in Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Hospital.

Parent-to-Parent Support

November 2023

ICU baby hosts its first Little Miracles Luncheon and unveils the Runway of Hope.

Support ICU baby & help us support families with a baby in the NICU by making a donation today.