In a heart-wrenching journey from grief to advocacy, Dr. Laura Bennett transformed her sorrow into a powerful mission to assist families navigating the challenging landscape of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). After losing her son, Evan, just before his first birthday, Dr. Bennett recognized the financial burdens that many families face when trying to be close to their critically ill infants.
The Struggles of NICU Families
During her time at St. Michael’s Hospital’s NICU in Chicago, Dr. Bennett spent nearly a year at her son’s bedside. Despite her own access to resources, she became acutely aware that many other families struggled to visit their babies due to the hidden costs of transportation and parking. “It was heartbreaking to witness families miss precious moments with their newborns simply because they couldn’t afford the trip,” she shared in a recent interview.
In urban areas, the lack of hospital-affiliated parking often forces parents to pay steep fees for nearby lots. Dr. Bennett recounted a staggering experience where she and her husband incurred nearly $2,500 in parking fees within just a month. After the profound loss of her son in 2015, she vowed to honor his memory by creating positive change for others facing similar hardships.
The Evan Bennett Foundation
Thus, in 2016, she founded the Evan Bennett Foundation, aimed at alleviating financial strain for NICU families through free parking and transportation services. In a remarkably short span, the foundation has successfully raised over $1.8 million, ensuring that families can be with their little ones without the added worry of costs. Dr. Bennett’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed; she was recently recognized as a CNN Hero, a title she carries with a mix of pride and sorrow.
“This recognition has been bittersweet,” she acknowledged, “but it fuels our mission to expand our services.” The foundation is currently exploring opportunities to extend its reach to a larger NICU nearby, aiming to support even more families in need. While the work provides a sense of purpose, Dr. Bennett admits the pain of her loss remains an integral part of her life. “People say time heals all wounds, but my heart will always carry this grief. I channel my love for Evan into the foundation, making every moment count.”
Resources for Families
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Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Laura Bennett’s journey from personal tragedy to impactful advocacy highlights the importance of supporting families during difficult times. Her foundation continues to thrive, providing necessary resources for NICU families, while she navigates her own healing process.