Intro by Shawn Marie Brummer, Communications Specialist This past summer, the Dakota Credit Union Association was approached by Sanford Children’s Hospital with a proposal; an opportunity for North Dakota credit unions to have an exclusive partnership and naming rights to a new micropreemie care unit at the Fargo CMN Hospital. This unit will be one of only a handful in the country, positioning Sanford Children’s as a national leader in micro-preemie care – with the support of area credit unions. Most importantly, it will give local families the best care possible, close to home, and a visible, tangible reminder of credit unions’ commitment to community. Many of our credit unions have already pledged their support to make this happen, but we need more! Nearly everyone knows someone whose life has been impacted by a premature birth. Some stories have happy endings, and today, we are pleased to share the story of one of our own credit union professionals, whose life was impacted by the care at a local neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In her own words… by Kylee Lemieux, Marketing Manager, North Star Community CU and Dakota CU Foundation Board Member As a mother, you never expect your journey into parenthood to begin in the NICU. When my first son arrived early due to Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and lung complications, our first moments as parents took an unexpected turn. After what we thought would be a routine checkup during pregnancy turned into instructions to return home for the night and pack our bags to deliver early, life quickly became a whirlwind. We were told to prepare for a small baby, estimated to weigh under 4 pounds. That night was full of fear, worry and planning as we were unsure how long we would be at the hospital. We returned to Minot for the night, packed our bags, and arrived at Sanford the next day. 36 hours later, Elliott was born weighing just over 4 pounds. Joy, fear, and uncertainty filled the room as the medical team assessed his condition, and it was soon established that he would be headed to the NICU. IUGR, a condition that restricted my baby’s growth in the womb, was a major factor in his early arrival. An undetected lung infection that was soon caught after birth further complicated matters. Watching him hooked up to tubes and monitors was heart wrenching, but necessary. Every beep and every alarm felt like a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows. There is no book on life, and there is most definitely not a book on navigating NICU life. Nothing prepares you to leave the OB floor as a new mom without your baby, as they lay in the care of a team of dedicated doctors and nurses, who started as strangers and quickly became our family. One of the most powerful aspects of our NICU journey was the sense of community. We met other parents, each facing their unique challenges, yet all bound together by the shared experience of navigating the NICU. We leaned on each other for support, shared our fears, and celebrated the small victories, like the day our little ones gained a few ounces or breathed a little easier. As days turned into weeks, and we celebrated each successful breath and feed, we began to see the light at the end of the NICU tunnel. The incredible care team and the unwavering support of friends and friends guided us through one of the most challenging experiences. After our initial stay in the NICU, we soon realized that the next few years would be impacted by Elliott’s fight at the start of his life. His struggle with lung complications meant that breathing, a seemingly simple act for most, was a monumental challenge for him. The next few years were filled with countless appointments and many sleepless nights. Over the last five years, we’ve faced the ongoing challenges of those breathing issues. The sound of his nebulizer and trips to the doctor’s office have become all too familiar. Yet, through it all, his spirit and determination has never wavered. He has faced every setback and moment of illness with a smile, reminding us how tough he is. As we approach his sixth birthday, he continues to be a light for everyone around him. He is now flourishing in kindergarten, goes out of his way to make people laugh, and is an incredible big brother.  Our NICU journey was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with moments of fear and joy, many tears and laughter. It was a stark reminder that life doesn’t always go as planned. We carry with us the lessons of love, resilience, and community that we learned during our time in the NICU. Our hearts are filled with gratitude, and our son’s future is brighter because of the love, support, and dedication of his medical team we’ve received along the way. He wouldn’t be where he is today without Sanford. We know that our story is just one among many, and there are countless families out there who need help and hope during their own difficult journeys. Your generosity can make a world of difference, bringing comfort and strength to those who need it most. Together, we can ensure that no family feels alone in their journey and that every child has a chance to grow, thrive, and shine just like Elliott. ***************************************************************************************************************************************
Thank you to the following credit unions that have pledged financial support for our North Dakota CU4Kids Micropreemie Care Unit. If you are interested in learning more about how your credit union can help, please contact Shawn Brummer or Lindsey Hefta. We have many fundraising ideas, and your pledge can be stretched over the span of several years, and can begin when it works for you. Our hope is that every North Dakota credit union will pledge to support this campaign.
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