Families, friends, healthcare professionals, and community members are invited to come together for the first-ever Holding Tiny Hands Walk for NICU Superheroes on Saturday, October 17, at Terra Park in Johnston.
The fundraising event will celebrate the tiny fighters who have spent time in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), the families who supported them, and the healthcare professionals who helped care for them.
The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, with registration and activities beginning at 10 a.m. at Terra Park, located at 6400 Pioneer Parkway in Johnston.
The morning will include a welcome and remarks from Holding Tiny Hands at 10:15 a.m., followed by the walk at approximately 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. Participants can also enjoy music, yard games, photos, and activities for children, including crafts, a balloon artist, temporary tattoos, and superhero-themed fun.
The event is open to children and adults, and the walk path is paved and accessible. Registration includes access to the walk, activities, a superhero cape, and bananas and water following the walk.
Registration is required before the event. Fees are $25 for adults, $10 for children, and $200 for a team of up to 10 people. Participants can also purchase a $50 NICU Superhero Sign to honor a NICU baby, family member, nurse, doctor, or healthcare professional who made a difference in their journey.
Personalized honor signs will be displayed along the walk route and may be taken home after the event. Those wishing to have their signs ready for the walk must purchase them by October 2.
Holding Tiny Hands has set a goal of raising $30,000 through the inaugural walk. Funds will support programs and resources for NICU families throughout Central Iowa, including parent support boxes, NICU connection and reunion events, Connection Hearts and isolette quilts, the NICU Voices podcast program, and mental health support for NICU parents and families.
Businesses and organizations can also support the event through sponsorship opportunities ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Those unable to attend in person can still participate by making a donation or walking one mile wherever they are in support of NICU families.
Registration and additional event information are available through the Walk for NICU Superheroes registration page .
Source: Holding Tiny Hands event information.
