Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Frasco.
Hi Pam, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Project NICU began with the vision of giving back and a hope for connection for NICU Families after my personal experience with both of my sons.
I was an expecting first-time mother with no known complications when without cause or notice, my son decided to make his entrance into this world 9 weeks early, at a little over 3 pounds. My husband and I were terrified. Our friends and family felt helpless in this foreign territory, and not only did my first son spend the first 2 months of his life in an isolette, our family experienced this traumatic journey a few short years later with the birth of my second son at 30 weeks. Our family then had to navigate the NICU and all its weight with a 2-year-old at home as well. All while being surrounded by family… I was completely alone. This feeling would later fuel me to launch this passion project.
I was extremely lucky to have a partner with me and a support system and the resources throughout the experience without the added barriers that so many face in the NICU, and I knew that I wanted to do something, anything to help those that would come after me in those hospital walls.
In December of 2017, I decided to create this “passion project” that would center around community and connection, giving care packages to families in Cleveland experiencing the NICU journey. After a holiday Amazon Wish List made its way around my circle and the support was overwhelming, I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to create a connection and let others know, they weren’t alone.
I launched Project NICU in the spring of 2018, and very quickly after met more NICU parents who like myself wanted to give back and create this community that so many of us were lacking during our experiences. I had no idea that this little passion project would grow into such a beautiful space for so many.
Project NICU focuses on families and medical professionals in the NICU space. Our mission is dedicated to supporting families with children in the neonatal intensive care unit and the medical professionals who care for them. We connect with NICU Parents to offer resources to support them during their journey both in the hospital and beyond.
We are in our early stages of this organization and have already impacted thousands in the last few years through various programming.
Since inception, we have supported over 20,000 families through various programs including care packages, online communities, virtual support groups, free counseling services, a Parent Mentor Program and virtual events.
In addition, we have established a Family Assistance Fund at U.H, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Cleveland MetroHealth Hospital that supports families experiencing any financial hardships with funds for parking, transportation, lodging, meals, and special bill pay assistance. This has helped many eliminate a barrier that may be keeping them from being able to be with their baby while in the NICU.
Today Project NICU has 30 “Ambassadors” in serving 19 hospitals, in 16 states throughout the country. Each one is supported by Project NICU to give back to their hospital, create care packages and share our peer support resources so we can continue to reach more families each and every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I started Project NICU, I was a working mother in professional sports, with two young children at home with no nonprofit experience. I knew my business experience would help me in so many ways, but I had to make time to “learn” what I could about this space I was unfamiliar with. I read books, listened to podcasts, and networked with those already doing this type of work in other states. When we applied for our 501c3 it was the year there was a work stoppage, and something that traditionally would take 4-6 weeks, took 9 months. So that was frustrating.
“Free time” was (and still is) nonexistent. I had to learn to manage time… planning events, or creating programs in the evening after work and after my kids went to bed… having phone calls during my commute, but most importantly I learned to surround myself with amazing people, all who have helped build this community.
I still struggle with having time for “it all.” But I make sure I continue to take breaks for myself, and when you are so passionate about something when you have been through this experience… it is a part of you. There is no “off” button. And that love for this space continues to drive me to find more folks to help us grow it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Project NICU is an organization that is rooted in peer support. Our programs and services are designed and created by a team of NICU Parents that have had the experiences of those we serve. We have an amazing NICU Medical Advisory board that partners with us to continue to create things that can help support the hospital services to ultimately have better outcomes for NICU Parents and their babies.
The commitment to our families, and locally here in Cleveland, is something that we are so proud of. It truly takes teamwork and so much time. SO much time… to dedicate to this work. I am forever grateful for those that continue to step up and help us grow this beautiful community.
What do you think about luck?
I believe that circumstances that are out of my control have played into my life both positively and negatively. I have been very fortunate for a multitude of reasons both in my career and personal life. From my family to meeting my husband and finding myself in a job that I love, all were results of very small “lucky” moments… or moments of time where choices I made unknowingly led me to the road I am on.
When I found myself sitting in a hospital chapel while my 3-pound son was fighting for his life a floor above me, I questioned many things including “luck” and “faith.” I would never wish this experience on anyone; however, I would never replace the outcome of this community that was born out of the result of it.
Luck (or lack thereof) can only go so far. We have to close the gap where we can and make way for the road that we hope for, be grateful every single day for even the smallest of things if we can, and put that gratitude out into the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.projectnicu.com
- Instagram: @projectnicu
- Facebook: www.projectnicu.com/projectnicucommunity
