Bryana is the mother to Penelope, who came into this world fighting at 28 weeks, weighing 1lb 15 oz. During, and after, their 53 day NICU stay, Bryana struggled to find a community of support who understood parenting a preemie.
Penelope Project was created for just that reason. Bryana fights to make sure NICU parents aren’t left out of the equation by working to close the tremendous gap in postpartum-support and care. With Penelope Project, she created a village of people who understand the joys and struggles of parenting preemies.
Bryana lives and breathes by mantra that she instills in our village; “whether you’ve spent one day, or 100 days, in the NICU, your story matters. You are not alone, we’ve got you. You’ve found your village.”
If you’d like to reach out to Bryana directly, please contact her at bryana@penelopeproject.org ! She’d love to hear from you!
Kristyn is a first-time mom to Jorryn who was born at 27 weeks. Even though Jorryn was early, Kristyn expected her to be double the size she was - over 2 pounds. But because of a few pregnancy complications, Jorryn only weighed 1 pound and 2 ounces and remained on oxygen during her 96 day NICU stay and for 7 months after coming home.
For nearly 2 years, Kristyn searched for a community that was just right, a group of parents who would truly understand what she and her husband had been through. Before Penelope Project, she found solace in prayer, family, friends and writing. With Penelope Project, she was also able to find and offer specific support that NICU parents need. She found her village.
Kristyn, a Virginian, loves history, music, and good television. As a writer and high school teacher, she appreciates and promotes perspective. Kristyn strives to take the advice she gives her students upon graduation. Live life. Don't just think outside the box, but take time to LIVE outside it. She encourages parents of NICU babies to do the same.
If you'd like to reach out to Kristyn directly, please contact her at info@penelopeproject.org.
