One of the biggest challenges faced by parents today is navigating premature birth. Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely. According to the World Health Organization, preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death in children under five.
Madhatter Knits is a nonprofit organization that knits beanies for premature babies. These beanies help babies maintain a stable body temperature. The average size of a premature baby’s head is the size of an orange, so it is hard to find beanies to fit their heads; Madhatter’s hats are small enough to fit their heads.
“Stitches of Hope” is a project started by juniors Hansini Katragadda and Krisha Neupane. When they were looking into possible organizations to work with, Madhatter Knits stood out to them.
“After learning how many babies were born prematurely, we thought that the work Madhatter Knits is doing to support premature babies and their families is incredible,” Katragadda said.
One in 10 babies is born prematurely each year, and with Stitches of Hope, Katragadda and Neupane aim to spread awareness about prematurity, help knit beanies, and raise funds to support Madhatter’s mission.
“The main purpose of our project was to raise awareness about prematurity and help premature babies in the NICU,” Neupane explained.
One of the first activities they did was a donation drive and hat knitting activity. From the donation drive, they collected looms and yarn for knitting. They then hosted an IF session where FBLA members could help them knit hats. This event was held right before midterms, providing students with a calming and engaging activity to help them unwind.
They also involved senior citizens in knitting hats. Knitting provides seniors with a creative outlet that promotes relaxation and creates a sense of purpose. It also stimulates their brain, and can even prevent Alzheimer’s. The seniors loved knitting the hats and felt a sense of accomplishment.
Currently, Katragadda and Neupane are selling candy bars. The funds made from selling the candy bars will be donated to Georgia’s Madhatter Knits chapter. Additionally, each candy bar has information about prematurity and how Madhatter Knits helps support this cause.
They are also going to make care bags to donate to Northside Forsyth’s NICU. Each care bag will have items to help families with premature babies in the NICU. Each bag will also have a card that will help foster hope during a difficult time.
This project has made a meaningful difference by supporting Madhatters and helping many premature babies and their families. With its positive impact already evident, Stitched of Hope aims to expand to reach more families and provide more warmth, one beanie at a time.
