In the face of unimaginable loss, a mother transforms her grief into hope for others. Medical expenses can mount quickly when a loved one is unwell. While insurance might cover some costs, the unexpected expenses—like transportation and parking—can be overwhelming. Carrie Matthews, co-founder of the Jackson Hope Foundation, understands this reality deeply.
Carrie spent ten months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago with her son, Samuel. Although she was fortunate to visit daily, it pained her to witness other families unable to do the same. “It was heartbreaking to see families struggle, often due to the costs of commuting and parking,” she remarked in a recent interview.
In many urban areas, hospitals lack dedicated parking, forcing NICU parents to pay for off-site options. For Carrie, the realization hit hard when she and her husband racked up nearly $2,000 in parking fees in just one month. This burden is often overlooked as families focus solely on their babies’ health.
After the heartbreaking loss of her son, Samuel, in 2014, Carrie felt compelled to honor his memory by helping others. “I wanted to channel my grief into something meaningful,” she shared. Thus, the Jackson Hope Foundation was born in 2015, providing complimentary parking and transportation for NICU families at Lurie Children’s Hospital. In just three years, the foundation successfully raised $1.5 million to alleviate these costs.
For her remarkable efforts, Carrie was recognized as a CNN Hero. “The exposure has been bittersweet but incredibly rewarding,” she noted. The foundation aims to expand its reach to a nearby women’s hospital with a NICU that is twice the size of their current facility.
Carrie acknowledges that healing is a lifelong journey. “People often say time heals, but my heart will carry this loss forever,” she admits. “I’ve found solace in dedicating my time to the foundation, as it’s the time I wish I could have spent with him.”
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In summary, Carrie Matthews’ journey from grief to advocacy exemplifies the strength of a mother’s love. Through her foundation, she not only honors her son’s memory but also supports countless families navigating the challenges of the NICU.
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