“There can be light in the darkest moments, and you are not alone in what you are experiencing.”
If you were to look at 5-year old Zev Hauser today, you’d never guess that the first 147 days of his life were spent in the NICU. Happy, healthy, and as energetic as any other little kid, Zev is a beacon of hope for those facing premature births. Recognizing the importance of sharing their family’s story, Zev’s parents, Steph and Ben Hauser, started a nonprofit to shed light on the experience of having a micro preemie baby.
A micro preemie is a baby born before 26 weeks of gestation, or that weighs less than 28 ounces. Zev Hauser was born at 23 weeks and weighed in at just 20 ounces. For nearly five months, the Hausers watched helplessly as their little boy fought for survival in the NICU; a journey that deeply impacted their lives. Every day, Steph and Ben would say to the nurses, “Tell me what’s good.” They knew that they couldn’t change the outcome of their son’s health, but by asking to hear the positives, they were able to balance out all the bad and focus on their hope.
When their son was finally able to come home with them, the Hausers felt the need to bring together other families facing the difficulties of premature birth. Their nonprofit, 4those, centers around connecting families who have experienced premature births, and provides continued support after their babies leave the hospital. The nonprofit puts on events and workshops throughout the year, and hosts an annual NICU Family Day Out; a free fair for any families who have experienced the NICU.
The NICU Family Day Out offers train rides, face painting, a petting zoo, food, and other activities for the entire family. Through this event, 4those hopes to give families a break from the mental exhaustion of traumatic medical experiences. Steph’s enthusiasm for the event is palpable, saying, “You get to witness this big beautiful light in your kid that you never thought would happen.”
Right now, 4those is building their community and fundraising for their projects. Eventually, they plan to buy a space in which families can gather to connect over shared stories. “Premature birth affects everyone in the family,” says Steph, highlighting the need for family-focused support. Steph has a big heart for their nonprofit and is willing to do just about anything to help the cause, including running 147 miles.
On Thursday, October 24th, 4those members and supporters came together at The Studio for the Boulder premiere of 147; a documentary that follows Steph as she runs 147 miles over a 48-hour time span in remembrance of each day her son was in the hospital. This grueling ultramarathon was part of Steph’s own journey to healing; a physical way that she could combat the hard circumstances. “I used to run to forget the big bad thing in my life, and now I run to remember all the grief and the glory,” she says.
Steph’s 147-mile feat is impressive, but it doesn’t seem to be the end of her plans.
“I’m just saying, it’s an interesting coincidence that if you were to run the entire border of Colorado and back down to Boulder, it’s about 1,470 miles,” Steph teased during the Q&A portion of the Boulder screening.
For the Hausers, 4those is a personal testament to their son’s resilience and the strength of NICU families everywhere. Through their work, the Hausers are bringing awareness, resources, and a strong network of support to families facing the uncertainties of premature birth. They’re a busy family, and pour their hearts into everything they do. Along with running their nonprofit, Steph is the host of two podcasts: The Zev Project and I Swear to God. The Hausers also own FOX•DOG COFFEE, an independent coffee shop in Erie, Colorado that aims to serve and love their community.
“We were given his [Zev’s] story. Not because we prayed harder, worked harder, or grieved harder than anyone else. But because it was a gift,” says Steph. “What I can say about our own experience and what we offer through 4those is this: Whatever happens in the here and now is not the end of your story. There can be light in the darkest moments, and you are not alone in what you are experiencing.”
Learn more about 4those and the work they’re doing HERE
Hear more about the Hauser’s story through The Zev Project podcast
