Tara B

Our first child spent the first week of his life in the NICU at Dupont getting IV antibiotics for an infection from my placenta. Looking back, we feel so grateful his stay at Dupont was not for anything more serious. However, it was still a rough week starting our family of 3 and the first hours of his life having so many unknowns, and these first few days not being spent at our home, like we expected. I was holding my baby in the NICU when he was about 2 days old, and was feeling sad we weren’t at home, and specifically thought, “we haven’t even read Arthur a book yet!” Not more than an hour later, Kate’s Kart came by our room and gave us Arthur’s first book he was ever read. I had heard of the organization but didn’t know enough about the organization to know to expect a visit. We received several more visits during our stay and it truly brightened our days each time. We are so thankful for the touch of kindness in our short stay in the NICU, and are grateful for Kate’s Kart’s presence to families no matter how long their stay is in the hospital.

Brett H

The Bennett Family

Our daughter, Jacqueline, was born about a month early and she was in the NICU at Parkview Regional Medical Center for a little over two weeks. She needed help with her breathing and putting on more weight. Although we were fortunate not to need the NICU for a longer period, the time that we were there was difficult and incredibly stressful. No one ever expects to not be able to bring home their baby a couple days after giving birth. However, Kate’s Kart was one thing that both my husband and I looked forward to during the NICU stay and we appreciated having something to read to our daughter while she was there. Additionally, our families attended the Kate’s Kart ice cream fund raiser to show support for us during that time. Jacqueline has been home for about two weeks now and is thriving!

Caitlyn E

Kate’s Kart impacted me in a way I didn’t even realize until later. My twin girls were born unexpectedly at 32 weeks. We were in the NICU for 30 days, and every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the Kart would make its rounds and provide a book to each of the girls. When they came by, they would always ask us how we were doing, how the girls were doing, and ask if they could peek in to see them. Now looking back those little gestures meant so much to me. At the time, my mind was all over the place. As a new mom and in the NICU, you are exhausted both emotionally and physically, and it can be lonely. We did our best to read them a book each day we were there, and it was a way to feel connected in a time where nothing felt normal. What should be a fun and an enjoyable time is very scary when faced with babies in the NICU. Looking back, I was and am thankful for such a wonderful organization, Kate’s Kart, who can help parents when faced with a challenging situation and provide opportunities to feel connected with their child/children.

The Beals Family

Being in the hospital with a sick child is one of the scariest times as everything is unknown, even if your child is a ‘frequent flyer’ like Ezekiel is. Having Kate’s Kart come give a book during one of the most stressful times brings a little joy during a dark time. Being able to read to Ezekiel and Grace while in the hospital makes them relax a little and brings a smile to their faces. Even after we are home, reading a book from Kate’s Kart brings a positive memory during their hospital day instead of the trauma or fear.

Megan V

Betty was in the NICU for 31 days during October and November. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday she was given a new book. It gave me something to look forward to and we were able to start a little library at home for her.

Tori R

I had a little NICU babe at Dupont this past spring & loved coming in to find he had new books! I was never able to spend much time with him because I was also still in the hospital myself & not doing well, but knowing others were reading to him was so special! We still read our book collection!

Nova A

Samantha W

My Daughter was born unexpectedly 7 weeks early, Kate’s Kart was such a blessing for me while she was in the NICU. I am a very active reader and enjoy all books, one thing I loved doing was reading to my daughter even when she was in my belly. I always looked forward to getting a new book from Kate’s Kart and I always waited excitedly for them to come to our room. If I wasn’t in the room when they stopped by they would always leave me a book, I loved the surprise waiting for me. Kate’s Kart helped me so much during such a hard time and I want to personally thank you so much. God Bless all of you at Kate’s Kart