Our daughter was born in 2007 at 32 weeks, weighing only 4 pounds 7 ounces. The doctors took her from me and to the NICU where she had a breathing tube for a short time as well as a feeding tube. It was painful to see her in such a state. After a bout with jaundice and 10 days in the NICU, she was cleared to leave the hospital.  We brought her home…on Father’s Day.

Our bundle of joy was so small…without eyelashes, fingernails, a healthy immune system or the ability to sweat. We were not ready for such a tiny miracle. We had had a baby shower, but none of the newborn clothes or diapers fit her.

I knew we were unprepared with the items we had at home but, thanks to friends and family who shopped for us, we were soon outfitted with preemie clothes and diapers as well as other items needed to care for our baby.

I felt lucky and sad. I wanted to help other parents but I simply did not know how. After a challenging first year with our daughter working to keep her healthy and developing through therapy, I knew it was time to do something. We started Zoe’s New Beginnings in our daughter’s honor to do just that. We are a Pittsburgh-area based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting parents during their first few days at home with their premature baby.

We provide a complimentary basket of practical, essential items to help make the transition from hospital to home a smooth one.

Interested in helping Zoe's New Beginnings? It is easy and safe with our Paypal Donate button. You can also mail a donation, made payable to Zoe's New Beginnings, to P.O. Box 9705 Pittsburgh, PA 15229.