Former patient returns to AdventHealth Littleton to comfort moms in the NICU

A former patient of AdventHealth Littleton returned to recognize NICU moms on Mother’s Day. Sammi McDonald had her twins, Hallie and Kacey, on April 25, 2024, at 29 weeks. At birth, Hallie was only two pounds 14 ounces, and Kacey was three pounds, four ounces.

“Splitting my time between them in the NICU and my other three kids at home was incredibly hard and taxing,” said Sammi. “The mental toll it takes on you to have a baby not be able to come home with you is indescribable.”

Sammi remembers one of the hardest days for her was Mother’s Day. That’s why, this year, she decided to return to the NICU to do something to help other moms. Sammi brought bags stuffed with treats for each mom with a baby in the NICU and included a handwritten note.

“I felt very lonely throughout my NICU journey, so I wanted them to know they are not alone. I knew if I could provide a little relief from the negative thoughts going through their minds, it would be worth it.”

Sammi and her family are getting close to the one-year anniversary of when Hallie and Kacey came home. They were both discharged from the hospital on June 13, 2024, and the girls are doing great now.

“They are growing like crazy and such happy little girls! I hope moms who are going through their NICU journey know they are not alone, and that I could bring a smile to them on what can be a very hard day.”