In the face of overwhelming loss, one mother has transformed her grief into a powerful force for good, helping families navigate the emotional and financial challenges of having a baby in the NICU. Medical expenses can spiral quickly when a loved one is unwell, and while health insurance may cover some costs, many families are blindsided by the often-overlooked expenses that pile up, like transportation and parking fees.
Emma Collins, the co-founder of the Little Star Foundation, understands this struggle all too well. After spending ten months at the side of her son, Leo, in the NICU at a Chicago hospital, she witnessed firsthand how the burden of travel costs can impact families. “I was lucky to visit Leo every day, but it broke my heart to see other parents unable to do so for various reasons. It became clear that transportation and parking costs were significant barriers,” she shared in an interview.
In larger cities, many hospitals lack dedicated parking for NICU families, forcing them to rely on nearby options that come with hefty fees. At one point, Emma and her husband incurred nearly $2,000 in parking charges in just one month—an expense they hadn’t anticipated.
Tragically, Emma’s son Leo passed away shortly before his first birthday. In the aftermath of her unimaginable loss, she felt compelled to honor his memory by creating something positive. “I was grateful to be his mom and wanted to channel my grief into a cause that could support others,” Emma explained.
In 2014, she established the Little Star Foundation, which provides free parking and transportation for families with infants in the NICU at her local hospital. This initiative ensures that families can visit their babies without the added stress of financial strain. In just a few years, the foundation has raised over $1.5 million to cover these costs, earning Emma recognition as a CNN Hero for her impactful work. “The recognition has been bittersweet, but it fills me with pride,” she remarked.
With this momentum, Emma aims to expand their services to a nearby women’s hospital with a NICU that is even larger. While these achievements are helping her heal, Emma acknowledges that grief will always be a part of her life. “People say that time heals, but my heart will always carry the ache. I’ve found solace in the work I do for the foundation; it’s time I would have spent with Leo,” she said.
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In summary, Emma Collins’ journey from personal tragedy to a mission of support highlights the importance of community and accessibility for families in the NICU. Through her efforts, she continues to honor her son’s memory by ensuring that others can be there for their little ones.