No family should have to navigate an HIE diagnosis alone. That's the heart of our HIE Ambassador Program — connecting families with a local, experienced member of our community who understands the road ahead, because they've walked it themselves. Ambassadors act as the "bridge" between their local hospital and health systems and Hope for HIE's longitudinal support, offering education, connection, and a hand to hold from initial diagnosis through the hospital care that follows.
Today, we're excited to introduce Ben Holland, our newest HIE Hospital Ambassador for C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ben is the father of two boys, both diagnosed with HIE at birth. Two different journeys, but the same overwhelming emotions that come with time in the NICU and the questions that follow long after you go home.
"The diagnosis of HIE can leave a family feeling lost in an abyss," Ben shares — a long road where answers are hard to come by and hope can feel just out of reach.
It was during his second son's NICU stay that Ben was given a copy of HIElights of Hope. Reading the stories of other HIE families gave his family a sense of hope and being found.
Now, Ben is turning that gift into purpose. "As your HIE Hospital Ambassador, it is my hope that I can help provide that connection to your family. The journey itself is enough; no one should feel alone as they go down the path. I look forward to connecting with your family, and connecting your family to Hope for HIE's many resources."
As a local HIE Hospital Ambassador, Ben will:
Ben is ready to connect with your family and welcome you into this community.
Whether you're weeks into your NICU stay or years down the road facing new diagnoses and outcomes, we are growing our HIE Ambassador Program to make sure every families have local, experienced support and a direct line to the resources they need.
Contact us to learn about becoming a HIE hospital ambassador. We are excited to bring this program to more locations to help connect more families!
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