Born From Our NICU Journey

In 2016, our lives changed forever when our daughter River entered the world.

River was born with congenital CMV—a virus she contracted while still in the womb. Congenital Cytomegalovirus is the leading viral cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities, yet so few people have ever heard of it.

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Just hours after she was born, River was rushed into the NICU at Rady Children's Hospital. What should have been a time of celebration quickly became a time of fear, uncertainty, and waiting. It took days for doctors to diagnose CMV and begin the treatment she urgently needed. Those days felt endless.

While River fought in the NICU, our family was pulled in every direction.

 

Our other children weren’t allowed into the NICU. We were constantly balancing life outside those hospital walls—getting kids to school, managing after-school activities and sports, figuring out meals, and trying to keep some sense of normalcy at home. At the same time, our hearts—and most of our hours—were with River in the hospital.

 

We were stretched thin in every way imaginable—emotionally, physically, and mentally.

But what we felt just as deeply as the hardship… was the need.

 

The need for support.
The need for understanding.
The need for someone to step in and help carry the weight, even just a little.

 

That experience is what led to the creation of River of Courage.

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River of Courage exists to support families walking through extended NICU stays—families who are doing everything they can to be present for their child in the hospital while still holding together life at home. Families who need meals, resources, encouragement, and most importantly, to know they are not alone.

 

River’s story is one of strength.

 

Our story is one of challenge.

 

And River of Courage is our way of turning that experience into something that lifts others.

 

Because no family should have to walk that journey without support.