A Premature Problem (NICU)

There are many ways to be a philanthropist, especially when you empathize with a problem you see and then use your time and talents to make a difference. This simple activity from our Project Heart Beats series was inspired by a group of high school students who were impacted by premature births in their families.

A premature birth isn't just a medical event — it's a family crisis. The baby may face serious health risks and an extended NICU stay, while parents navigate fear, exhaustion, and bills that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. This activity opens students' eyes to the real experience of NICU families and asks them to do more than sympathize: it asks them to act.