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She is the reason I am an advocate...

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BEFORE EVERYTHING CHANGED

Before the monitors, medical language, and long hospital nights, we were simply preparing to welcome another baby into our family.

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At just a few months pregnant with Luellen, life still felt beautifully ordinary — family outings, laughter, milestones, and the excitement of becoming a bigger family.

At the time, we had no idea how much our journey was about to change.

THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED

What we expected to be a normal delivery quickly became something none of us were prepared for.

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Within moments, the room shifted from excitement to urgency. Voices became louder. People moved faster. Fear replaced the plans we had spent months imagining for Luellen’s arrival.

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She was born full-term, but her journey began with a fight none of us saw coming.

In the middle of the chaos, surrounded by uncertainty and overwhelming emotions, we were suddenly introduced to a world we never expected to enter — the NICU.

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Our Story Continues…

Resilence. Perseverence. Marathon.

Luellen's journey didn't end when we left the NICU—and neither did ours. What began as one family's experience has grown into a mission to help other families feel seen, supported, and understood.

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Whether you're navigating the NICU, raising a medically complex child, or simply looking for a story that reflects your family, there's a place for you here.

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This resource was created by a NICU parent and advocate, with lived experience navigating neonatal care, medical language, and family support gaps.

Content is intended for emotional support and education and does not replace medical guidance.

The Next Journey
copyright 2026
contact: 954-647-3553
email: christiana@thenextjourney.org

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