Kayleon Dortch-Elliott

Kayleon Dortch-Elliott is a North Carolina resident, wife, and mom of a NICU graduate. She gave birth to her daughter at 29 weeks gestation, and spent 43 days in the NICU. Inspired by her family’s experience, Kayleon created The 45-Day Keepsake Journal for NICU Mamas, which has been internationally recognized and purchased by organizations to include Colourful Beginnings, Medical Moms of NICU, and Them Too Foundation. She has since guest blogged about her experience for Hand to Hold, and provided 60 care packages for NICU families at the UNC Children’s Newborn Critical Care Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As a recent graduate of the Women on the TEDx Stage program, Kayleon is actively seeking opportunities to share her story, bring awareness, and advocate for family-integrated care and in-house mental health support for a NICU families.