Supporter Toolkit

September marks Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month or #NICUAwareness Month, dedicated to paying tribute to NICU patients, their families, and the dedicated NICU professionals who provide them with care. This special month aims to create a supportive and empowering community for families during their most challenging and trying times. It's also a time to recognize and appreciate those who commit their lives to assisting these families.

Throughout this September, we aim to amplify the voices of NICU families, address their needs with available resources, and foster a vibrant community on both national and local levels.

We warmly invite you to be a part of this important initiative! Utilize the resources provided below to make your voice heard and join us in creating a positive impact for NICU patients and their families.

Change Your Profile Picture

Use one of our profile graphics below to raise awareness.

Don't see a graphic represented? Please email us at [email protected]

Light up your community buildings & homes!

We are asking buildings to light up green on September 30, NICU Awareness Day - or even for the whole month of September. View and edit our sample letter request.

Light Up the Night Sample Letter

Tell your story

A powerful approach to inspiring hope and helping people understand the experience of life in the NICU.

Share your story on social media using the hashtag #NICUAwareness.
Interview with local media.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
Submit your story to share with us here.

Check out our interviewing tips.

Give back to your NICU

1. Raise funds for equipment and other items needed in your NICU. Most NICU's will have a wishlist of items that would improve the quality of care provided in their unit.

2. Deliver in-kind donations for families of babies in the NICU. Families experiencing a NICU stay will find comfort in items donated to benefit their health and the well-being of their baby. Check out our store for some NICU items and gear.

3. Host an event in which families can connect with one another. Consider planning an event at your hospital in which you provide a meal, crafting event, photo session or other service that promotes interaction. Families will benefit from connecting with others that have endured a similar journey.
Check with your local NICU about current restrictions and guidelines.

4. Support the staff who have dedicated themselves to caring for patients in the NICU. Bring meals or special gifts to let them know you appreciate all of their work.

5. Deliver a random act of kindness in honor of your NICU baby. Download one of the printable card templates below.

Start a Fundraiser

Start an independent peer2peer fundraiser to support NICU families. All proceeds go to support Project Sweet Peas, a non-profit dedicated to providing care packages, hospital events, financial support and other services to NICU families nationwide. Those who raise $200 or more will receive a free NICU Awareness Month t-shirt.

Start a Fundraiser

NICU Awareness Month T-Shirt Fundraiser

Spread awareness and support NICU families by purchasing a NICU Awareness Month Fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds benefit Project Sweet Peas.

T-Shirt Fundraiser

Spread the Word

Get involved and share your support on social media during NICU Awareness Month! Use #NICUAwareness to connect with others who are posting about this important cause. You can use the following examples or create your own unique posts:

September is #NICUAwareness Month! Let's come together to raise awareness and support for the brave babies and families in the NICU. #NICUAwareness
Join me in honoring the strength and resilience of NICU babies and their families this #NICUAwareness Month. Together, we can make a difference! #NICUAwareness
This September, I'm shining a light on the challenges faced by NICU patients and their families. Let's spread awareness and compassion. #NICUAwareness

The below graphics are free to use during NICU Awareness Month.

No part of the graphics may be edited, removed, or changed in any way without prior written approval from Project Sweet Peas.

Post a September Selfie

Post a #SeptemberSelfie sharing with others who you are honoring this September. Download the printable file below.

Write a Note

Write a note to a NICU Nurse or staff member who made a difference for your family; or share some advice to current NICU parents. Download one of the below printable cards to get started.