Families from 29 states in the U.S. and Canada shared photos and stories of their precious children by participating in the Second Annual Preemie Power Photo/Essay Contest. Preemie Power is all about celebrating our children’s accomplishments and how far they have come! They may have started life smaller than the rest – but we’ve seen their herculean strength, enhanced perseverance and superhuman resiliency. We have watched our children defy the odds and surpass everyone’s expectations. Preemie Power was open to all NICU babies whether they are in the NICU now or graduated long ago. Be inspired by all of the participants in the 2011 contest by watching 2011 Preemie Power Photo Contest Video. Download a flier from the 2011 event.
How Does This Work?
- Visit the photo/essay contest site.
- Choose a current picture of your child. Photos do not have to be professional.
- Complete a short application and respond to the super hero questions to tell your story.
- Share your child’s entry with friends and family.
- Vote. It’s FREE to vote, you can vote once a day (every 24 hours from the time of your last vote), and personal information is not requested from voters. Voting starts October 17, 2011 and concludes November 1, 2011.
- Have fun! Share hope! Be inspired by your Super Hero child/ren.
- Win! We will offer prizes in three age categories plus a special award for the entrant who has the most votes. We believe that everyone who participates is a winner, and we will make every effort to include as many stories on our Preemie Power blog as we can to share hope and inspiration with future families. Watch the video! 2011 Preemie Power Photo Contest Video
Why Play?
Hand to Hold’s Preemie Power campaign serves to raise awareness of the effects of premature birth on the community and the needs of families that extend far beyond the hospital doors. In addition to providing hope to fellow NICU families, fabulous prizes will be awarded.
Important Dates
- We are accepting entries to the contest from October 1 through October 16, 2011. If you played last year, please join us again this year.
- Public voting begins October 17, 2011 and concludes November 1, 2011.
- Finalists in three age categories (0-12 months, 1+ to 5 years old, and 6 years and up) will be chosen November 2, 2011 to advance to the final round. Celebrity judges will determine winners based on creativity of super hero name, creativity of super hero-themed essay/story and emotional impact.
- The contestant receiving the most overall votes will receive the Thundering Thurston Award in memory of Thurston Mossholder, Preemie Power Winner 2010.
- Winners will be announced online and at the Preemie Power Family Celebration and NICU Reunion on November 13, 2011.
- Read the detailed rules.
Who Are the Judges?
We are pleased to welcome the following celebrity judges:
Kim Pleticha, fellow mom and publisher of Parent:Wise Austin,
Annette S. McCormick, MD, a pediatrician who specializes in neonatal/perinatal medicine with Pediatrix Medical Group.
Kasey Mathews, micropreemie mom, blogger, and author of Preemie: A Memoir
Prizes
The winner in each age category will receive a prize package worth $500. Last year, the prize packages varied based on the child’s current age. The oldest winner received a bike, younger children received age-appropriate gift packages from local toy and children’s clothing stores. Gift packages of lesser value are provided to second and third place finalists. Prize packages have been graciously underwritten by A Maggie Film, Austin’s Park, Baby Blanket Music, Baby Sense, Marty Barnes, Brand Builders Company, Brooke West Photography, Carousel Designs, Fisher-Price, Kokopax, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, Mystery Inc., NurturMe, Pediped, Tracy Tenpenny Design, and other generous donors. If you’d like to contribute a prize, contact Kelli Kelley.
Questions?
Please contact Amy Carr at amy [at] handtohold [dot] org.
