Houston’s Lift Off
A nonprofit organization dedicated to serving families who have a baby in the Akron Children’s NICU unit at Aultman Hospital.
We are based in Canton, Ohio.
Houston Autrey
This is his legacy. Houston was born when I was 25 weeks pregnant. He had a shortage in the umbilical cord. He wasn’t getting the proper nutrition or oxygen because of this. This caused him to be delivered by emergency C-section. He was born on 08/14/2015. He weighed 1 pound 3 ounces at birth. Houston lived 4 1/2 months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Houston fought infections, illnesses, surgeries, etc. Houston fought hard to be with us; however, he gained his angel wings on 01/05/2016.
Being in the NICU was physically, financially, and emotionally hard. We practically lived in the hospital. This is how we formed Houston’s Lift Off. We are based in Canton, Ohio. Houston’s Lift Off has been established since April 2020. We have served over 1,131 NICU families. Houston’s Lift Off provides items such as gas gift cards, food gift cards, baby books, baby blankets, hygiene items, catered meals, etc. We try to help with anything that a NICU family may need. Our mission is to show the NICU families they are not alone. Our end goal is to offer a place to rest for the families that are traveling back and forth from Aultman Hospital.
Giving Back In Memory of Houston
Annual NICU Christmas Trees
When Houston was in the NICU, we received a miniature Christmas tree. It brought the holiday spirit during one of my darkest times. This is what inspired our Annual Christmas Trees. Each family receives a tree, a pack of ornaments to decorate, a customized ornament, lights, a tree skirt, and a star on top!
Crafts With NICU Families
I am so grateful to have the memories I do with Houston. It is important to create happy moments even while your baby is an incubator. Making memories in the NICU is vital part of “normalcy.” This is why we host craft nights throughout the year!
Meals for the NICU
Providing meals for a NICU family brings a different kind of comfort. After a long day in the hospital, parents can forget to feed themselves, too. They do not have time to make a home-cooked meal. They are busy traveling back and forth from the hospital. Parents still have to work and provide for themselves at home as well. We provide hot meals throughout the year for families and NICU staff.
