FORT WAYNE, Ind. — For 125 days, Jason and Tiffany lived moment to moment — clinging to hope, praying for progress, and watching their newborn son, Charles, fight to survive in the NICU.

Born at just 22 weeks in February, Baby Charles entered the world far too soon. What followed was nearly four months of intensive medical care, worry, and sleepless nights. But amid the chaos, the family found an unlikely source of peace: a warm bed, a hot meal, and a place to breathe, thanks to Hope’s Harbor.

A House of Refuge, A Home of Comfort

Hope’s Harbor, a nonprofit hospitality house near Dupont Hospital, became the family’s sanctuary.

“We were overwhelmed,” Jason said. “But Hope’s Harbor gave us a place to do laundry, eat something warm, and most importantly — stay close to Charles.”

Instead of commuting 45 minutes each way every day, they stayed just minutes from their tiny son, who was fighting for every breath.

“It meant everything,” Tiffany added. “The NICU was terrifying, but not having to worry about meals or where we’d sleep was a huge weight off our shoulders.”

A Meal That Gives Back

Now, months after leaving the NICU, Jason and Tiffany are returning the kindness.

On Friday afternoon, the couple hosted a community fundraiser dinner at Dutch Heritage restaurant in Bluffton, aiming to raise funds and awareness for Hope’s Harbor — so other families can find rest during medical crises.

The event ran from 2 to 7 p.m. and featured classic comfort food:

• Fish or chicken strips

• Roasted potatoes

• Coleslaw

• And plenty of cake for dessert

Strength in Small Gestures

“We were cared for in ways big and small,” the couple said in a joint statement. “From the volunteers who left handwritten notes on our pillows to the warm coffee waiting after another long NICU night — it was love in action.”

While Charles’ medical journey isn’t over, his parents say he’s doing better than anyone expected. He’s grown stronger, hit key milestones, and — as they put it — “continues to show the world what a miracle looks like.”

Here’s a quick summary of their journey:

Keeping Hope Alive

Hope’s Harbor relies on community support to offer housing, food, and essentials — all at no cost — for families with hospitalized children. It’s one of the few places in northeast Indiana offering this kind of support near both Lutheran and Dupont hospitals.

The couple says their fundraiser is just the beginning of their commitment.

“If even one family finds the same peace we did,” Jason said, “it’s worth everything.”

For more on Hope’s Harbor or to contribute directly, visit hopesharborfw.org.