The most rewarding part of being a mom, for me, began the moment my daughter, first child, was born at 28 weeks. She spent three and a half months in the NICU and went through several procedures. Watching her fight so hard at such a tiny, vulnerable age changed everything for me. It made me realize just how much I wanted to be her mom, to be there for her, to experience life with her, and to share that love with her future sibling(s).

A “mother” may be just a title, but being a true mom is reflected in the values you live by and the example you set for your children. People will often try to tell young or new moms how they should raise their children, but not every opinion, suggestion, or expectation will align with the lessons and values you want to pass on to your own child.

As a mother of two NICU babies, my first spending a total of three and a half months in the NICU and my second spending 10 days, I would use part of the $20,000 to give back to a NICU foundation that supports families during such difficult times. I would also use it to help secure my children’s future and support our home. Most importantly, it would allow me to take the first step toward building something of my own, turning my skills, and creativity into an opportunity.