Southern Lehigh senior Lilian Hope Driscoll was born in June 2007, seven weeks early, at just 2 pounds, 12 ounces. She suffered from many birth complications and spent over one month in the NICU.
When Lily and her family arrived home from the hospital, their neighbors gifted them a basket full of helpful supplies to make their transition easier. This inspired the Driscoll family to create Lily’s Hope, a nonprofit organization that supports babies, children, and their families after unexpected early births. Along with a Board of Directors, Lily’s parents, Justin and Jennifer, run the nonprofit.
“We answer the emergency needs that families have when they have a premature baby in the NICU,” Driscoll said.
Premature births are typically unexpected, so most families are unprepared. Lily’s Hope provides customized care packages called “Packages of Hope,” which include necessary supplies for families with babies born early.
These kits can make transitions from hospital to home easier. Each package contains a meal and hand-washing kit. These kits may also include travel size toiletries, diapers, clothing, bottles, pacifiers, cleaning supplies, and paper plates.
“[When] the baby is in the NICU for extended periods of time, you’re constantly going back and forth from hospital to home and having to meet with doctors and nurses,” said Driscoll, reflecting on difficulties.
When a premature baby is in the hospital for many days, it can be hard on siblings at home. To try to make it easier on them, Lily’s Hope offers sibling kits with toys, coloring books, and stuffed animals.
To ensure that families have access to everything they need, Lily’s Hope works with case managers and hospitals. They have partnered with 18 hospitals to reach any family who needs support.
So many families have been touched and are extremely grateful for the supplies and help.
“We see a lot of gratitude coming back, and then a lot of the families try to help us and volunteer and donate,” Driscoll said.
As the organization continues to grow, Lily intends to stay involved. She plans to attend a nearby college and help out in her free time.
“My goal is to take over [Lily’s Hope] from my parents when I get to that point in my life,” said Driscoll.
Lily’s Hope has helped over 6,000 families in the past 11 years. They have expanded to 49 states and the numbers continue to grow each year.