A lemonade stand with a purpose: See how one grateful Hoag family is giving back to support the NICU.
For grateful Hoag patient Ashley Filbin, giving back began with a simple desire to help other families experience the same compassion and support that meant so much to her own family.
When her second son was born at 35 weeks, Ashley faced the uncertainty familiar to many parents navigating a potential NICU stay. While her son ultimately did not require admission, the kindness, reassurance, and exceptional care she received from Hoag’s NICU team left a lasting impression.
Years later, that gratitude inspired action.
Together with her 6-year-old son, Ashley organized a community lemonade stand that brought neighbors, friends, and supporters together, raising more than $2,100 to give back to Hoag's NICU. What started as a simple neighborhood fundraiser has continued to grow into a larger mission to support families during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Ashley is continuing fundraising efforts toward expanding access to lactation services for mothers with babies in Hoag's NICU. These services provide expert guidance, encouragement, and support at a time when establishing breastfeeding can be especially difficult, helping mothers care for their babies while navigating the unique challenges of a NICU stay.
This neighborhood lemonade stand is a powerful reminder that philanthropy comes in many forms. Acts of generosity—large and small—help extend Hoag’s mission beyond clinical care, supporting programs and services that comfort patients and families throughout their healthcare journey.
“We wanted to do something that would help families going through a difficult time,” Ashley shared. “It’s a small way to show support and give back to a place that has meant so much to our family. Because of everything we’ve built through this initiative, we’re now launching Hope & Lemon Lemonade Stand, a gift box business that will donate a portion of every sale to NICU families.”
Ashley and her son’s efforts demonstrate how gratitude can inspire meaningful impact, creating a ripple effect of kindness that touches families they may never meet.
Inspired by Ashley’s story? Your support helps provide resources, comfort, and compassionate care for Hoag patients and families when they need it most. Consider making a gift today to help continue this important work.
