#157 Leading through lived experience, Rachel Friend CEO at Little Miracles Trust

<p>Every year in New Zealand, around 5,000 children are born prematurely. Some of these babies come into the world as early as 23 weeks into pregnancy and weigh as little as 500 grams. These tiny new-borns face a tough battle for survival and often need to spend a long time in neonatal intensive care units. While doctors and hospitals take care of their medical needs, there&#39;s often a missing piece: the comprehensive support that parents and families require to navigate the many challenges that come with premature birth.</p> <p>Stepping in to fill this important gap is the Little Miracles Trust. This organisation offers crucial assistance to families dealing with the intricate practical and emotional aspects of premature births. While medical professionals focus on the babies&#39; health, Little Miracles Trust provides the essential help that parents and families need to handle the unique challenges that premature birth brings.</p> <p>Meet Rachel Friend, the CEO of the Little Miracles Trust, who joins Purposely to talk about her organisation&#39;s story and her own experience as a mother of a prematurely born child.</p> <p>Rachel&#39;s journey has been quite remarkable. She used to work in the corporate world, but her path took a new direction when she became a mother. This personal experience motivated her to transition from her corporate career to leading a charity. </p> <p>Rachel&#39;s shift in focus was driven by her own real-life challenges. She had to navigate the complexities of caring for her son, Rueben, who was born prematurely. This experience gave her a deep understanding of the difficulties and emotions that parents of premature babies go through. This understanding and empathy are crucial in her role, where she ensures that her organisation provides the right services to support others in similar situations.</p> <p>A central part of their mission is to guide parents through the often-challenging journey of premature birth while offering comprehensive support in various forms. Many members of the