Ariana Intsiful, a compassionate 12th-grade student at NSU University School, has spearheaded a remarkable initiative called NICU Literacy & Love, bringing comfort to families with newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at HCA Florida University Hospital. As the President of Community Engagement for USchool’s HOSA: Future Health Professionals chapter, Ariana led her peers in organizing a donation drive throughout September, collecting over 200 much-needed items such as blankets, slippers, pillows, and handheld mirrors.
The project, aimed at easing the stress faced by NICU families, was a collaborative effort. With support from the USchool Community Service Coordinator, teachers, and HOSA members, Ariana placed donation boxes around the school to encourage student involvement. The collected items will be distributed to families staying in the NICU, offering them comfort during a time of great emotional and financial strain.
Ariana’s inspiration for NICU Literacy & Love was sparked in July 2023 when she visited the NICU at HCA Florida University Hospital as part of a medical immersion summer camp. During her visit, she saw firsthand the challenges that NICU families endure, particularly the difficult balance between caring for their ill newborns and managing financial pressures.
“Families in the NICU are already going through an incredibly difficult time,” Ariana said. “Through this initiative, I hope to help alleviate some of that burden by providing items that make their stay a little easier, so they can focus on their babies without worrying about additional expenses.”
In addition to the donation drive, NICU Literacy & Love creates care baskets containing baby supplies, books, and other essentials to help families. The project also promotes early literacy through reading programs designed for NICU babies, reflecting Ariana’s belief that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference in the lives of these families.
Ariana’s dedication to community service and her passion for supporting NICU families have left a lasting impact, and she hopes to continue expanding her efforts. Through NICU Literacy & Love, Ariana is driven to provide care and support to even more families in need, demonstrating her determination to make a meaningful difference.
