Why I Give: Megan Hereth and Baby Jack

Megan Hereth's son, Jack, arrived six weeks early in April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Needing assistance with breathing and feeding, Jack was admitted to Saint Luke’s East Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Megan remembers the stress of having a vulnerable baby during the early days of the pandemic.

“The Saint Luke’s team really stepped up,” Megan said. “They asked, ‘What can I do for you?’ and went above and beyond to reassure me that it was going to be OK.”

Pandemic guidelines restricted visitation. So, while Jack was in the NICU, Megan lived with him at the hospital. NICU staff provided her meals, a place to shower and sleep, and extra support.

Fortunately, Jack improved quickly, and he was released after 16 days. From then on, according to Megan, it’s been “smooth sailing.”

Megan and her husband, Jon, were inspired to help others. Jon wanted to run a marathon, and Megan insisted she’d do it with him. They turned the event into a fundraiser to benefit Saint Luke’s NICU. The two ran the marathon in October 2022, raising more than $1,200. The funds were earmarked to help NICU families struggling with expenses, and Saint Luke’s is grateful for their generosity.

"The NICU is going to be a place that’s near and dear to my heart forever,” Megan said.

Learn more about how you can support Saint Luke's Foundation.