Jules Ross

On December 23rd, 2026 we welcomed our sweet little boy, Dakota. In the days leading up to his birth, I had developed severe pre-eclampsia and flash pulmonary edema (fluid in my lungs). These health issues prompted his early delivery at just 30 wks 3 days gestation. Kota spent the next 7 weeks at UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Rex’s NICU. We are extremely grateful for the immense support from the NICU teams, our family and friends for supporting us during such an unexpected journey. 

During our time in the NICU, we met so many other families with little ones just like Kota. We had the added blessing of Kota’s Aunt, Uncle and cousins also being NICU graduates (born at 30w1d) to guide us through too. The NICU experience and having a preterm baby changes you and your family; your heart grows ten times bigger and you find yourself cheering the achievements for your baby’s tiny wins and their NICU neighbors. You celebrate the weight gain in grams, the transition to open crib and graduating to room air. 

We chose to create the team name  Klub Kota to recognize the village that helped our baby boy grow and thrive.  We hope you decide to help us by either making a donation or sharing our mission of supporting maternal & infant health and encourage research to help more tiny and mighty babies. 


With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, I’m committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. But I need your help. 

Please visit my fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.