Tides of Hope

Tides of Hope is a program that supports families and loved ones during a child’s stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Administered by NICU staff, it helps families chronicle the child’s individual journey through a keepsake necklace. Each bead added represents an obstacle overcome or a milestone reached, creating a lasting record of the challenges and joys experienced along the way. When a child graduates from the NICU, a freshwater pearl is added as the final bead. The pearl’s gradual development from a tiny grain of sand symbolizes the infant’s growth and journey.

The program is designed to create meaningful connections between families and caregivers, demonstrate compassion for parents as well as children, and contribute to patient satisfaction. Tides of Hope reports having impacted 14,000 families. Hospital staff have described it as a special remembrance of each family’s experience, while parents say the necklaces help them feel proud, keep their child close, and connect with others who understand the NICU journey.