#United States #Austin #NICU #Hand to Hold #Huggies

Hand to Hold® Launches Annual NICU Graduate Then and Now Photo Contest

Hand to Hold, a national nonprofit dedicated to offering mental health support to parents in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), has announced its annual NICU Grad Then and Now Photo Contest. This exciting initiative, supported by Kimberly-Clark's Huggies® brand, seeks to honor NICU graduates and their families, showcasing their journeys through this challenging yet transformative experience.

A Celebration of Resilience

Thousands of families across the United States face the challenges associated with a NICU admission, which impacts nearly one in ten newborns. The emotional toll and life-altering experiences from NICU stays can vary immensely, with some infants hospitalized for just a few days and others for several months. Every milestone achieved during this time becomes deeply significant for families navigating their unique journeys.

Katrina Moline, Executive Director of Hand to Hold, reflects, "In the NICU, milestones that others take for granted become deeply meaningful. This contest recognizes the resilience behind each graduation and underscores our commitment to supporting families—including those facing loss."

How to Participate

The contest, which first launched in 2023, enables NICU families to come together not only to share their stories but also to help sustain free support services for other families. Participants who raise $50 or more through the contest will see their entries included in the 2026 NICU Grad Then and Now yearbook, complete with class photos. The printed yearbooks will be available for purchase at just $25, while the digital version will be accessible for free. Additionally, there will be options to buy space for advertising or memorializing loved ones, further supporting Hand to Hold's mission of providing essential resources to NICU families.

The contest opens for submissions on May 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM CST, and will close on May 15, 2026, at 10:00 PM CST. It is free to enter and welcomes NICU graduates of any age from the U.S. and Canada. This inclusivity aims to strengthen community ties and foster a supportive environment for all NICU families.

Support Services for NICU Families

Hand to Hold offers a wide range of free resources designed to address the emotional and social needs of parents during and after their NICU experience. The organization’s mental health support staff comprises NICU graduates and bereaved parents who possess the specialized training needed to guide others through similar journeys.

In 2025 alone, Hand to Hold facilitated almost 90,000 sessions of virtual and in-person support for families across the nation, ensuring that no family has to navigate the NICU journey alone.

The Role of Huggies®

For over 40 years, Huggies® has been committed to supporting caregivers by providing innovative products designed to meet the needs of babies, especially those who are more vulnerable. The brand collaborates with NICU nurses to create specialized products tailored for preemies and critically ill infants, establishing a compassionate connection between the product offerings and the families that rely on them.

As the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network, Huggies® has been actively involved in initiatives that aim to eradicate diaper need in the United States. In partnering with Hand to Hold, they continue to exemplify their dedication to supporting families experiencing the challenges of NICU admissions and infant loss.

Join the Cause

Interested parties can learn more about the photo contest, browse prizes and entry categories, and cast their votes for their favorite NICU graduates by visiting the Hand to Hold website. With shared experiences and collective resilience, the NICU community continues to inspire hope for families growing from their unique journeys.

For further details, visit HandToHold.org.