After Cooper was born, his parents were moved to the recovery floor and in their room was huge blue bag filled with new baby things. You name it, it was in there — newborn baby outfits, shoes, hat, diapers, wipes, sleep sacks, books, free resources at the library — it was truly an incredible gift for newborn parents but it wasn’t conducive for preemie families.

After Cooper died, Edward and Haley immediately starting identifying aspects of their journey that could help other parents like them, and that’s when Cooper Cares came to fruition. Under this program, newly admitted families of premature babies will receive a carefully, curated care package. These tote bags will provide resources to help families navigate the daily challenges of being in the NICU.

Each Cooper Steinhauser Foundation canvas tote includes:

• A letter from Edward and Haley Steinhauser

• Children’s book

• NICU-appropriate baby clothing

• Crocheted Octopus

• Stationary paper, markers, and tape

• A notebook and pen

• Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, and Lanolin)

• Chapstick

• Ear plugs and an eye mask

• Tissue

• Scented bonding hearts