After kicking her way out early at 34 weeks, Lily was born little but mighty! She spent 22 days in the Growth and Development unit at the Brigham NICU to get stronger and gain stamina with feeding.  I spent each day all day snuggling her and learning how to help her feed - it was special. One morning I came in and Lily was dressed in the cutest little onesie! It was so exciting to see her in a little outfit instead of the hospital blanket swaddle. We asked where the outfit came from and were told that some of the nurses purchase the outfits themselves for the babies. It is hard to find preemie size outfits readily available at most stores and most people can't plan ahead for a preemie baby.  We launched Friends of Lily on Lily's due date -- an effort to collect preemie, newborn and 0-3 month size outfits to donate to the Brigham NICU. I wanted all parents to experience the joy of coming in to see their new baby in a cute outfit for the first time!  We have donated thousands of onesies and swaddles so far including holiday onesies for NICU photo shoots and more. Friends of Lily is excited to participate in the 10K and fundraise for the NICU. We love to continue to give back to this special place that made the beginning of Lily's life so special.

The Boston 10K is more than a race. It’s a chance to join a vibrant community of people inspired to make a difference at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, one mile at a time.