The non-profit organization Holding Tiny Hands will host its first annual Walk for NICU Superheroes on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Terra Park in Johnston. Registration for the family-friendly community event opens ahead of the 10 a.m. start time.
The walk will bring together Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) families, NICU graduates, healthcare professionals, and local supporters to raise awareness and vital funds for families navigating the NICU journey across Central Iowa.
“This special event honors and celebrates NICU Superheroes,” Damian Beard, Board Director said. “The tiny babies who fight so hard, the parents who support them, and the incredible medical teams who care for them are all superheroes in their own way and we want to celebrate them at the walk.”
All event proceeds will directly fund Holding Tiny Hands programs, which provide tangible comfort items, connection events, and amplify stories of hope for these families. Supported initiatives include parent support boxes, isolette quilts, NICU events, and ongoing resources for families with NICU babies at the MercyOne Des Moines, Mercy West, and Blank Hospitals. The event is family-friendly and includes superheroes, yard games, a balloon artist, music, food trucks and more!
The walk coincides with broader advocacy efforts, as September marks national NICU Awareness Month. According to national health statistics, one in 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely, arriving before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Holding Tiny Hands supports more than 1,000 NICU families in Central Iowa each year.
Iowans are encouraged to register for the walk or donate prior to the event by visiting the foundation’s website. Families and supporters are also encouraged to purchase a customized NICU Superhero honor sign to be placed along the walk path, celebrating NICU babies and their dedicated healthcare teams.
For more information, to register, or to learn about the organization’s mission, visit www.holdingtinyhands.org or follow Holding Tiny Hands on Facebook and Instagram.
