As the season of giving unfolded, Hope for HIE was honored to conclude 12 Days of Hope—a heartfelt reflection on the many ways our community shows up for families around the world impacted by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Over twelve days, we shared powerful stories directly from our families, volunteers, and advocates—stories told in their own words. Each one served as a reminder of why our mission matters and how community, advocacy, and connection truly change lives.
As you follow along, we invite you to join us in spreading hope this holiday season. Your year-end gift helps ensure that every family touched by HIE has access to resources and support—no matter where they live or where they are on their journey.
On the first day, Hope for HIE gave to you… HOPE.
We give our families a community ready to welcome, support, and walk with them, and together we share the belief that there is always Hope for HIE.
This season, our Communication Coordinator and an HIE mom herself, Jacquelline Garborg, shared her family’s story—one that echoes the experiences of so many in our community.
On the second day, Hope for HIE gave to you… CONNECTION.
Families around the world are finding each other and feeling less alone. Your gift fuels programs that create lifelong bonds.
“The most rewarding part of being involved in the HIE community is witnessing the connections formed between families. It’s incredible to see people come together, share experiences, and find support they didn’t even know existed. Because of these efforts, more people are talking about HIE, accessing resources, and feeling empowered to advocate for their children.”
—Bailey Brooks
On the third day, Hope for HIE gave to you… ADVOCACY.
Hope for HIE works to elevate family voices and improve care, both locally and globally. Revisit Julie’s journey with her daughter, Eliana, which has been marked by perseverance and determination, particularly in the face of limited resources and awareness in her home country of Kenya. When you donate to Hope for HIE, you support families across the globe, just like Julie and Eliana.
“One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is the introduction of cooling therapy for infants with HIE, something that wasn’t available when Eliana was born. I’m proud to say that after years of advocating, three hospitals in Kenya now offer this treatment. While this is only the beginning, it’s a huge step forward.”
—Julie Wanjiku Ndung'u
On the fourth day, Hope for HIE gave to you… SUPPORT.
Support means meeting families where they are—emotionally, geographically, and practically. Our peer groups and programs create safe spaces for families navigating HIE at every stage.
"I’m grateful for the chance to share my family’s story and why raising awareness for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is so important to me, to my daughter, and to our entire community.
Ten months ago, I gave birth to my daughter, Madison. What we didn’t expect was that she would be diagnosed with HIE at birth. Those first moments, and the many months that followed, changed our lives completely. We suddenly found ourselves learning medical terms we had never heard before, juggling appointments, therapies, and emotions we never imagined we’d face as new parents.
But through everything, Madison has shown incredible resilience. Watching her grow, fight, and meet every challenge with such strength has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
And in the midst of all the uncertainty, Hope for HIE became a lifeline. The support, the shared stories, the understanding community. It reminded us that we weren’t walking this path alone. That sense of connection brought me comfort, strength, and hope on days when I needed it most."
—Kelly Garrison
On the fifth day, Hope for HIE gave to you… COMMUNITY VOICES.
Storytelling connects families, affirms lived experiences, and offers hope to those just beginning their journey. Help amplify the voices of our HIE community.
“My granddaughter was born with severe HIE 2.5 years ago… We believe storytelling, sharing lived experiences, and being transparent gives hope to those in need.”
—Shaun Venable
On the sixth day, Hope for HIE gave to you… FRIENDSHIP.
Through our programs and social media community, families form deep, lifelong friendships—connections rooted in understanding and shared experience. Stories like Meagan's are a powerful reminder that no family faces HIE alone.
“When my daughter was born 12 years ago, I had never heard of HIE and couldn’t find anyone whose child had experienced a brain injury during the birthing process. I found Hope For HIE when she was a few months old and my life changed. I finally didn’t feel alone. I have met my closest friends through Hope. I have amazing friendships with other HIE moms who understand and are there through the milestones and through the setbacks. Giving back to HIE as a peer support mentor means that I can ensure that no one feels alone and that in itself can make all of the difference.”
—Meagan C.
On the seventh day, Hope for HIE gave to you… STRENGTH.
Stories like Danielle’s show the incredible resilience and fierce love of our community. Through the loss of her daughter, Sailor, Danielle found herself navigating the HIE community amid her grief. Already an advocate in the CHD and child loss communities through the loss of her daughter Alessia, she now hopes to do the same here—honoring her daughters by sharing their stories, raising awareness, and ensuring no family feels alone. By donating to help us reach our $25,000 goal for December, you support our Grief and Loss programming that walks alongside families like Danielle’s.
On the eighth day, Hope for HIE gave to you… COMMUNITY.
Hope for HIE is a global network united by compassion, understanding, and advocacy. Together, we continue building a strong, connected community worldwide.
“One of the greatest honors has been being recognized in my community—not just as a mother, but as an advocate. I’ve been nominated three times for Inspirational Mom Awards, but more meaningful than any recognition is when another parent reaches out and says, “I feel seen. I feel less alone.” That’s why I speak up. That’s why I share. Because I know how powerful it can be when one story inspires another.”
—Monique Arnoldus
On the ninth day, Hope for HIE gave to you… COMFORT.
For families facing uncertainty, Hope for HIE provides reassurance and care. Your support brings comfort to thousands of families around the world.
Our Super Sibs program supports the awesome siblings of children with HIE, who often provide the best comfort to their brother or sister. And when you donate, you ensure this program is available for ALL siblings! Remember this sweet sibling bond between Kyla and Kamani?
"She's an extraordinary sibling, showering my daughter, Kamani, who has HIE, with unwavering love and support. Their bond is beyond what I ever imagined, filled with tender moments where she holds Kamani close, comforting her with soothing words."
—Amanda Williams-Roby
On the tenth day, Hope for HIE gave to you… RESOURCES.
From evidence-based education to bereavement materials, our resources empower families—at no cost.
“Hope for HIE is such a lifeline. They bring families together, share stories of resilience, and provide resources that really make a difference. They’re also pushing forward progress in treatment and research, which is so important. To us, it’s all about making sure people affected by HIE feel seen and supported—like they’re not alone in this. It’s about giving them the tools, information, and community they need to not just get through the challenges, but to thrive.”
—Jordan Hogan
On the eleventh day, Hope for HIE gave to you… RESILIENCE.
Families leaning on each other, growing stronger together. Building resilience happens in many ways, like by pushing to finish a 5K or hosting one for your community.
Tina Santos helps build up the resilience in her own community by hosting Hope for HIE’s signature event, Hustle for Hope.
“Each year that we host our local Hustle for Hope 5K event, we meet new families and have the chance to advocate a little more for the HIE community. One of the most incredible parts has been seeing how excited families get about participating—they even created their own friendly competition to spread awareness! We’ve received pictures of "Hope for HIE" signs displayed in some amazing places—on top of houses, boom trucks, and even in other states. It’s been so heartwarming to see how far-reaching the support is and how much people truly care about making a difference.”
—Tina Santos
On the twelfth day, Hope for HIE gave to you… HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
Together, we are shaping a brighter path for every family touched by HIE.
"Hope for HIE is the lighthouse in our storm.
When Ophelia was born, we were handed almost no information, just fear, uncertainty, and a list of complications that no parent should have to hear. The one thing we were given was Hope for HIE. Their resources, stories, and community were the first light we saw after stepping into the world of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy.
They gave us language for what was happening.
They gave us stories of children who survived, adapted, and thrived.
They gave us families who understood, who answered questions at 2 AM, who held space for our grief and our strength.
Hope for HIE filled the silence with support.
Today, we support them because they supported us when no one else could. Their work empowers families like ours with education, advocacy, and a sense of belonging during the hardest moments of our lives.
If you feel called to, donating to Hope for HIE directly helps families facing the same terrifying unknown we did on the day Ophelia was born. Your support expands the reach of resources, connects more families to a lifeline, and ensures that no parent stands alone in those first hours, days, and years.
For Ophelia.
For every child born into uncertainty.
For every parent searching for answers in the dark…
Hope for HIE brings the light."
—Gabrielle Ward-Collier
As we close out the 12 Days of Hope, we are reminded that none of this happens alone. Your support ensures families have access to education, advocacy, peer connection, and hope when they need it most.
This season, we invite you to stand with families facing HIE.
Together, we are the light.
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