cam@titusstrong.org
We exist to fight for the lives of NEC babies and stand with families—because no one should face it alone.
What is NEC?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening intestinal disease that primarily affects premature and medically fragile babies in the NICU. It can progress rapidly—sometimes within hours—and requires immediate medical attention. Yet despite its severity, NEC remains one of the least understood and least funded neonatal conditions.
Families often hear the diagnosis for the first time in a moment of crisis, with little awareness, limited research, and almost no resources to guide them. That’s why the Titus Strong Foundation exists: to help families understand NEC, navigate the NICU journey, and fight for a future where no baby faces this disease alone.
WHY IT MATTERS
Every day, NEC takes a baby’s life. We’re fighting back—with advocacy, research, and support for every family.
We’re committed to reducing the 50% mortality rate and rewriting the story of NEC so families can hold on to hope—not heartbreak.
OUR STORY
Loss Led Us Here. Love Leads Us Forward.
We’re Cam and Meghan Parker
February 7th, 2024
A day that will forever be imprinted on our hearts.
A few days after our son Titus was born premature on January 10th, 2024, our world changed. He faced a small bowel perforation and underwent a delicate procedure to protect him from infection and Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating disease that attacks the intestines of fragile infants.
We held on to hope that his tiny body would recover. We prayed and contended for this life. Most NEC babies only survive 24-28 hours. Titus battled it for two weeks. But NEC kept progressing, ultimately causing his heart and lungs to fail despite the incredible care from his medical team. On February 7th, 2024, our brave boy went to be with Jesus.
Though his time with us was brief, Titus’ life left a permanent mark on ours—and on everyone who knew his story. His courage and his fight changed the course of our lives forever.
WHY WE FIGHT
To Bring Families From Heartbreak to Hope
Out of the pain of losing Titus, we founded the Titus Strong Foundation to ensure no family faces NEC alone. What began as our personal story of grief and heartbreak has grown into a mission of hope — supporting NICU families, funding research, and raising awareness to save lives. Every donation, partnership, and story shared carries Titus’ legacy forward, turning pain into purpose and love into action.
01
We don’t want you to face NEC alone.
No parent should navigate the NICU or a NEC diagnosis without support, guidance, and a community to lean on.
02
We want to give you what we weren’t given.
Adequate information and timely resources in a medical emergency can increase your baby’s chance of survival. We understand that every moment counts.
03
We want to support you in a time of crisis
We provide hope, comfort, prayer, advocacy, and care so families can fight for life and find strength in the storm.
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
NEC is a serious intestinal disease that mostly affects premature or medically fragile newborns. It causes inflammation in the intestines that can lead to infection, tissue death, or life-threatening complications if not treated immediately.
Who is most at risk?
NEC primarily affects premature babies—especially those born before 32 weeks—but it can also impact full-term infants with underlying medical conditions or feeding difficulties.
What are the signs and symptoms?
NEC can progress quickly, so early recognition is critical. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Feeding intolerance
- Vomiting
- Bloody stools
- Lethargy
- Temperature instability
- Sudden changes in breathing or heart rate
How is NEC treated?
Treatment varies by severity and can include stopping feedings, providing IV nutrition, starting antibiotics, monitoring closely, or—in severe cases—emergency surgery to repair or remove damaged intestine.
Why is NEC so under-researched?
Despite its high mortality rate, NEC receives limited funding and attention. Many families and even some medical professionals know little about it until experiencing it firsthand—leaving research severely under-supported.
Can NEC be prevented?
While there is no single cause, risk-reduction efforts include breastmilk feeding, careful monitoring of feeding protocols, and improved neonatal care standards. Ongoing research is crucial to discovering more effective prevention strategies.
How is the Titus Strong Foundation helping?
We provide support for NICU families, fund NEC research at UNC Chapel Hill, raise awareness nationwide, and advocate for better education and resources so parents are never left in the dark.
How can I help support this mission?
You can donate, volunteer, share your story, or spread awareness—every action helps families facing NEC today and supports research for tomorrow.
Contact Us
Reach Out—
We’re Here For You
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions, need support, or want to learn more about how you can make an impact, our team is here to help.
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