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Celebrating NICU Graduates: Hand to Hold® Photo Contest

Hand to Hold, a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on providing mental health support for parents with infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), has officially launched its annual NICU Grad Then and Now Photo Contest for 2025. The initiative, which started in 2023, aims to honor the experiences and achievements of NICU graduates while raising funds to keep essential support services accessible to families in need.

A Powerful Experience for NICU Families

Approximately 10% of infants born in the U.S. are admitted to NICU, often leading to an emotional rollercoaster for the families involved. Whether a stay lasts just a few days or extends into months, each moment is pivotal and profound. As Katrina Moline, Executive Director of Hand to Hold, puts it, “When a baby is born early or with special healthcare needs, milestones have a very different meaning.” This contest serves as a beacon of hope, celebrating resilience and the bittersweet realities that many face. Tragically, not all families reach graduation day, and Hand to Hold is steadfast in providing bereavement support for those who suffer losses.

The 2025 Contest Format and Participation Details

Unlike previous years, the contest will culminate in a yearbook format, designed to be inclusive for participants. From May 1, 2025, to May 18, 2025, families can submit entries showcasing their NICU graduates. Participants are encouraged to raise at least $50, which will secure them a spot in the 2025 NICU Grad Then and Now yearbook, together with their “class photos.” Printed versions of the yearbook will be sold at a price of $25, while a digital version will be made available for free, making it accessible to a broader audience.

This year, the voting system has also been revamped. Supporters can contribute a dollar-per-vote, with unlimited voting allowed, and proceeds will directly support NICU families. Voters also stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including a feature on the yearbook cover and gifts to assist their local NICU teams.

Commitment to NICU Families

With Huggies® as a primary sponsor, the competition has gained momentum over the years. The brand has maintained a partnership with Hand to Hold for almost ten years, contributing significantly to alleviating challenges faced by NICU families. Matt Barresi, North American Vice President of Huggies, expressed the brand’s deep commitment, sharing, “The NICU experience is personal and touches so many...including me.” Such connections elevate the impact of the contest, as families unite to honor their NICU graduates.

In 2024 alone, Hand to Hold provided a staggering 111,500 sessions of both virtual and in-person support. With trained mental health staff, including NICU graduates and bereaved parents, the organization tailors its resources to meet the emotional needs of NICU parents.

More Than Just a Contest

Hand to Hold’s mission extends beyond this annual event; it strives to provide comprehensive resources and emotional support throughout families' NICU journeys. By hosting such contests, they not only generate necessary funds but also create a sense of community among NICU families, sharing stories of triumph and heartbreak.

For more information regarding the contest, details on participation, or how to support NICU families, you can visit Hand to Hold’s official website.

In celebrating the achievements of NICU graduates, the contest amplifies the voices of families who have been through trying times while highlighting the mission of Hand to Hold and its unwavering support for NICU parents across the nation.