“Our JOB is to provide healthcare. The way we do it is our GIFT to patients and families.” –Andrea Standish

Recently, I met with a dynamic woman named Kelli Kelley who is the Founder and Executive Director of Hand to Hold. After navigating a path without much support for her preemie, Ms. Kelley helped start a national movement to provide resources and support to parents of preemies, babies born with special healthcare needs, and those who have experienced a loss due to these and other complications.

To learn more about Ms. Kelley and the amazing support programs at Hand to Hold, visit: handtohold.org

Hand to Hold and Standish Foundation for Child & Family Centered Healthcare are both Austin, Texas-based nonprofit organizations and we are both celebrating our 5th birthdays!

It’s been my experience that “moms with a mission” have helped transform and improve so many areas of our lives including healthcare and education. In this respect, Ms. Kelley has blazed a trail for more moms to impact the lives of their families and so many other families, as well.Ms. Kelley and I spoke about some of the amazing nurses we have encountered. Twelve years ago, my father had quintuple bypass and I still remember the fantastic nursing care he received. When I speak to nurses, I like to tell them that the surgeons saved my dad’s heart and the nurses saved his life.

So, I like to say, “Our JOB is to provide healthcare. The way we do it is our GIFT to patients and families.” Thank you to all the amazing healthcare providers who share their GIFT in so many wonderful ways. And to the “moms with a mission” like Ms. Kelley, we appreciate you!