Smarty Event Next Friday: In the Nic of Time

By Smarty Mom, Meghan Hampton & the Carolinas HealthCare Foundation

From the Foundation:

The 3rd annual In the NIC of Time event will take place on Friday, May 31st at the Ritz Carlton’s Urban Garden. The evening is full of laughter, dining, and dancing and supports the Cottie & Cake Fund which benefits the Neonatal Intensive Care Program at Levine Children’s Hospital and research at the Charlotte Fetal Care Center. For more information visit www.givecarolinas.org/cottieandcake.

From Meghan Hampton:

As many of you know, in 2011, we set out to create a unique event to bring awareness to the miracles that take place every day in our own community. We wanted to use our story to ask the community to come together and support the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH) and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center, both places where our family witnessed miracles.

Our Story

My pregnancy was a roller coaster from the start. We were thrilled that our daughter, Ella, would be a big sister and were overjoyed when we heard the word “twins.” However, that excitement quickly turned to concern when we received shocking news- we were having Mono-Mono twins – meaning they were in the same sac and shared the same placenta. I now faced an extremely high-risk pregnancy.

I was admitted to the hospital at 26 weeks and had an emergency c-section on June 2, 2010. It was the worst day of my life. Katelynn was stillborn, and Scotlynn was in the fight of her life. Scottie was just 2 lbs when she was born – so tiny and helpless. She had to be resuscitated and needed two blood transfusions. All the while, I was trying to wrap my head around the fact that Kate didn’t make it. It was absolutely overwhelming and almost suffocating, but the support and love from my family, friends, and the staff at LCH sustained us. We are so blessed Scottie refused to give up and is now home with us, happy and healthy. The events of that year are not ones you can ever “get over.” However, with the strength of my family and good friends, we are making it through.

In the NIC of Time

After spending 10 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery (NICN) at LCH, my family truly understands what a special place it is for children and families in this community. The care given by each nurse and physician gives families strength and hope in their darkest hours. We wanted to give back as a sign of our sincere appreciation by raising awareness and funds for LCH as well as contribute to fetal care research for high-risk pregnancies.

In June of 2011, on Kate and Scotties’ birthday, we held the first annual, “In the NIC of Time” and raised over $52,000. After such a successful first year, we didn’t know what to expect going in to 2012. We should have known that our friends and family would amaze us again. Over 225 guests attended the 2nd annual “In the NIC of Time.” We met new families touched by the NICN and learned about new and exciting goals of improving and expanding LCH and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center.

Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors and sponsors, we were able to present a check for $75,000 to Levine Children’s Hospital and the Charlotte Fetal Care Center. We hope our story can continue to inspire others to join our cause. We know there are countless stories of hope emerging from Levine Children’s Hospital every day. We want “In the NIC of Time” to serve as a platform from which we can share those stories and provide the necessary funds for research and care in the future.

In the Nic of Time Event

When? Friday, May 31st from 7-10p
Where? The Ritz Carlton Uptown, Urban Garden
The Scoop? A night of dinner, dancing and fun benefitting the Cottie & Cake Fund, which supports the Neonatal Intensive Care Program at Levine Children’s Hospital and research at the Charlotte Fetal Care Center
Cost? $100 per ticket, go to www.givecarolinas.org/cottieandcake for ticket purchasing information.

We’ll see you at the Ritz!