Birmingham, AL -   The moments after a child is born usually fill the parents with joy and wonder.  But now and then, babies are born prematurely or are born with health issues and are whicked form theirm mother's arms to the newborn intensive care unit or nicu.

A ministry is working in the NICU to ease parents fears.  It's called the FOOTPRINTS MINISTRY at St. Vincent's Birmingham.

New mother Rhonda Smith says she experienced what it was like to be told her baby had to go to the NICU.


RHONDA SMITH/NEW MOTHER. "It was very scary.  He was nine and a half weeks early so we went straight to nicu."

Rhonda Smith had to deal with that fear... but soon found support from some total strangers through the FOOTPRINTS MINISTRY.
Luke Smith was born so early, he needed the nurses here at St. Vincent's Birmingham, to carefully watch him around the clock.  While Rhonda spend many hours here, she found the ministry offered great comfort.  It's a ministry that delivers prayers, baskets and hope.
 
Rhonda. "A basket filled with so many wonderful things little camera mcd's gift card a burp cloth a bonding blanket. "

The basket also includes a Bible.

Nicole Collier from Footprints Ministry says, "Our main concern is that these bags will show the love of J.C. To these families. "

Nicole Collier joined the ministry after she had a baby admitted to NICU and found comfort from FOOTPRINTS.

Nicole says, "It's one of the hardest things to go through, and every mother doesn't understand until you go through that. We hope the love of Jesus Christ and peace and comfort can come to them through him and through these bags. "

Luke is many weeks older now and able to be at home, but Rhonda says she's made friends for life through the FOOTPRINTS MINISTRY at ST. Vincent's.

RHONDA. "I started getting phone calls post cards letters e-mails found support encouragement and hope. "

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