Hudson Valley woman gives back to Valhalla NICU that saved her life
Friday morning was a full circle moment for Shawna May.
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A Hudson Valley woman is giving back to the NICU in Valhalla that saved her life.
"I just felt like it's Mother's Day, let's give back to the hospital that saved my life," Shawna May tells News 12.
Friday morning was a full-circle moment for May as she walked the halls of Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and delivered gift bags to new parents who have babies in the NICU.
"There's so much about being in this hospital that there's such memories," says May's mother, Kathy White.
Nearly 37 years ago, May's mother received devastating news.
"They told my mom I wasn't going to make it. They told her to do her last rites. They did that and then I survived," says May.
May was born in 1989.
"I was born four months early. I was 1 pound 4.5 ounces. I went through a lot of medical issues, hardships and surgeries," May explains.
None of that has stopped her from living life, including a podcast with Lauren Maresca. They say it serves as a platform to advocate for women living with health challenges and disabilities.
"I wouldn't be here today if I didn't advocate for myself," says May.
It's that message of resilience she brought to the NICU, along with some things the new parents there could really use, like breast pumps, pacifiers and affirmation cards.
"She's living proof that never give up, don't lose hope," says Maresca.
