01 Oct Madelyn’s Fund Raises $41,166 During NICU Awareness Month to Support Local Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHARLOTTE, NC – October 1, 2024 – Madelyn’s Fund, a Charlotte-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), is proud to announce that it raised $41,166 during NICU Awareness Month in September 2024. These funds will provide critical financial assistance to families navigating the challenges of having a premature or critically ill baby in the NICU.

“It’s an honor to do this work, and we couldn’t do it without our incredible community of supporters,” said Rachel Lee, co-founder of Madelyn’s Fund. “Every dollar raised helps us make a difference in the lives of NICU families, allowing them to focus on their child’s health during such a challenging time.”

NICU Awareness Month Ambassador Program

A key driver of this year’s success was the peer-to-peer fundraising efforts of the NICU Awareness Month Ambassador Program. This initiative invited community members to raise awareness and funds by championing Madelyn’s Fund’s mission. The program brought together a dedicated network of individuals who shared their stories, spread awareness, and galvanized support throughout the month.

The Need for Support

Each year, 15% of infants in the United States require NICU care due to premature birth or critical medical conditions. While NICUs have significantly advanced neonatal care over the years, the associated costs place a substantial financial strain on families.

• The average cost of a NICU stay lasting more than three days is $84,774*.
• Families often travel long distances to visit their babies, adding to the financial burden.
• The average NICU stay ranges from two to three months, with families sometimes traveling up to 180 miles daily.

Madelyn’s Fund helps alleviate these burdens by providing financial assistance for essentials such as travel expenses, lodging, meals, and even funeral costs for families experiencing infant loss.

A Milestone Fundraising Effort

This year’s $41,166 fundraising total represents a significant increase from the $33,344 raised during NICU Awareness Month in 2023. The achievement was made possible by the generosity of donors, the dedication of ambassadors, and partnerships with local businesses.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible partners, ambassadors, and donors whose generosity has been instrumental in making this year’s campaign a success,” said Rachel Lee, co-founder of Madelyn’s Fund. “Their commitment to supporting NICU families helps us continue our mission and expand our impact in the community.”

Get Involved

Madelyn’s Fund is deeply grateful to everyone who supported this year’s campaign. To learn more about ways to support NICU Awareness Month visit: madelynsfund.org/events/nicu-awareness-month.

---

About Madelyn’s Fund:

Madelyn’s Fund, established in 2016, is a Charlotte, NC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support to infant and pediatric patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to families who experience the trauma of infant loss. The organization helps NICU families cover unexpected costs, including funeral expenses, offering critical assistance during times of need. To learn more about Madelyn’s Fund visit www.madelynsfund.org.

For more information or press inquiries, please contact Zoë Maurer, Marketing Chair, at [email protected].

---