Sam's Story

When Sam arrived at 34.5 weeks, I knew things might be a little different, but I didn’t realize just how strong he’d have to be from the start. Watching him in the NICU—hooked up to wires and working so hard just to breathe and eat—was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced as a mom.

Every beep of a monitor made my heart stop. Every tiny milestone—finishing a full feed, keeping his oxygen steady—felt like a huge victory.

What made it even harder was knowing I had two girls at home who needed me too. Leaving them each day felt like I was failing in two directions…missing moments with them while sitting beside their brother, and missing moments with him while trying to keep things normal at home. The guilt was heavy.

Then I found comfort through FSNCC—NICU moms who understood the mix of fear, exhaustion, love, and guilt that shaped every single day. Their words, hugs, and shared experiences helped me release some of that guilt and realize that being there, in whatever way I could, was enough.

Now, as I look back, I see not just the struggle but the strength. My little boy’s strength. My family’s strength. And the quiet, steady strength that comes from being surrounded by people who understand and lift you up when you need it most.

To FSNCC: thank you for being a light during one of the hardest chapters of our lives. Your kindness, love, and understanding meant more than words can ever say.