Devika Walia Empowers NICU Families with Strength in Tiny Packages Initiative

Globe and Mail

06-03-2025

Ms Devika Walia is on a mission to bring comfort, hope, and practical support to mothers and their families facing challenges of premature birth.
Ms Devika Walia, a NICU survivor and passionate advocate for neonatal care, has transformed her personal experience into a source of hope for families grappling with the difficulties of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay. Through her 501-c3 nonprofit organization, Strength in Tiny Packages (SITP) a division of BE THE VOYCE, Ms Devika is dedicated to providing comfort and essential resources to families facing the emotional and financial burdens of premature birth and postpartum recovery.
This week, SITP marked a significant milestone by delivering its inaugural NICU Care Baskets to over 50 families at Akron Children's NICU. Made possible by kind donations and community support, the delivery is a real attempt to offer hope and comfort to people going through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
'The first set of baskets has been delivered. This morning, I was able to deliver NICU Care Baskets for 50+ families at Akron Children's NICU. Thank you to StretchLab (Pinecrest) & Lima Runs on Dunkin' for the donation of the water bottles. Thank you to MedWish International for the hygiene supplies,' said Devika Walia.
A Personal Journey of Resilience and Giving Back
Ms Devika overcame the odds after spending five months in Akron Children's NICU; she was born at just 23 weeks gestation and weighed only one pound six ounces. Although her two triplets did not survive, her tenacity drove a lifetime of helping other families going through similar hardships.
Ms Devika has stayed near the hospital, volunteered in the NICU, and helped with studies meant to raise newborn outcomes. Her lobbying efforts have brought her to national conferences where she presents her viewpoint as both a survivor and a champion of improved newborn treatment. Inspired by her path, she started Strength in Tiny Packages (a Division of BE THE VOYCE non-profit 501-c3) to make sure families dealing with postpartum issues or premature birth have the emotional and useful help they need.
Providing Strength Through Thoughtful Care Packages
At the heart of SITP's mission is the Package of Strength, a curated basket designed to provide comfort and essential resources to NICU families.
Each package includes:
Blankets
Milestone cards and notebooks
Onesies and bibs
Hygiene and postpartum supplies
Gift cards for restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores
Gift certificates for food delivery services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats
Gas gift cards
Baby formula
Water bottles and snacks
Playing cards and other comforting items
These care packages aim to provide moments of comfort and relief for families experiencing the stress of a NICU stay.
' I cannot wait to continue to share my story and provide hope for families as they navigate this difficult journey, ' Devika added.
An Appeal for Community Support and Compassion
The mission of Strength in Tiny Packages is to eliminate the need for a mother and her family to navigate the NICU trip alone. The company aims to ensure that every family feels noticed. supported, and empowered on their path and beyond by encouraging a community of compassion, therefore transcending hospital boundaries.
How to Support SITP
Ms Devika work is made possible through the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Those interested in supporting SITP can contribute by donating essential supplies, funding care packages, or partnering with the organization to expand its reach.
For more information about Strength in Tiny Packages, to donate, or to get involved, please visit istip.org.
Media Contact
Company Name: SITP (Strength in tiny packages)
Contact Person: Devika Walia
Email: Send Email
City: Akron
State: Ohio
Country: United States
Website: istip.org