Started life small... but living life big!

Ty Couch was born at 36 weeks weighing 7lbs 2 oz. He recieved care in the NICU for 36 days. Ty is now eight years old!

Tell us about your “now” photo and how your child is living life big!

Ty no longer needs any help eating! In fact, he loves cooking and serving meals at church.

How did the NICU and Melissa’s Fund help ensure milestones like this were possible for your child and family? What does that mean to you?

Melissa’s fund provided bedside nursing chairs that allowed the use of feeding and swallowing strategies taught by staff while Ty was in the hospital. These furnishings helped facilitate bonding and low-stress feeding times for mom and baby.

What is a special/fond memory you have of your time in the NICU?

There isn’t one specific moment. Rather, an overall gratitude for the experience that changed our trajectory in such a meaningful way.

Why does your family support our NICU through Miracle Bash and Melissa’s Fund?

We believe in the important resources Melissa’s fund and other non-profits provide at such a critical time to our babies as well as their families.