Never Shake MN began in July 2023 to help victims and families of Abusive Head Trauma and Shaken Baby Syndrome with their financial needs and to spread awareness of this tragic diagnosis and its lasting impact. We are the founders of Never Shake MN and are the parents of a victim of Abusive Head Trauma, so our stake is a personal one. Our son Nolan was only six months old when he was shaken and abused at the hands of his daycare provider in 2017. He suffered a variety of devastating injuries, including retinal hemorrhaging, a skull fracture, brain bleeding, and a fractured sternum. Nolan spent nine long days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at HCMC before being released. To this day, his medical needs are numerous, and his injuries will affect him for the rest of his life. What came out of our difficult situation was a desire to help other families under similar circumstances.   

Up to 3,000 babies across the country suffer from Abusive Head Trauma or Shaken Baby Syndrome every year. Never Shake MN strives to support the smallest victims and their families dealing with the ongoing consequences and the burden it puts on those taking care of them. Our organization reaches out to victims and their families to help them financially and provide other resources during their healing journey. We are also committed to spreading awareness and connecting with childcare centers across Minnesota to share our story and reduce the number of shaken babies each year. We want to prevent another family from having to go through the same struggles that we have.

Never Shake MN is hosting a fundraising event April 12th, 2024 for Child Abuse Awareness Month.  Our organization is looking for donation items for our silent/online auction part of the event. Proceeds from the event will directly support victims of abusive head trauma or shaken baby syndrome with their financial needs. These needs range from medical bills, to rent, utilities, and food. Taking care of an infant with abusive head trauma can be a significant burden on families, their careers, and pocketbooks.

Never Shake MN have already helped out and connected with many victims and continue to reach out to many more.  Our non-profit has also donated hospital care packages for victims while staying in the PICU/ICU.  These were distributed to 3 trauma hospital centers in the Twin Cities area and we continue to ditribute these as needed.  Care packs include gift cards for gas or food, snacks, toys for siblings, blankets, and other items to help make their stay a little easier.

Thank you for your consideration