Nurture Through the NICU

02/22/2026

Even though I’ve officially passed on the title of Miss Houston County, I have not passed on the mission behind it. 💛

Nurture Through the NICU has always been about something so much bigger than a crown or a year of service. It was built from my own story, from long nights in the NICU, and from a heart that understands how desperately families need hope in those moments. That doesn’t expire when a title does.

While this chapter looks different, the calling to serve does not. I will continue creating baskets, supporting NICU families, and advocating for the tiniest fighters and their parents. The mission remains the same: bringing comfort, encouragement, and light into hospital rooms that need it most.

This is not the end — it’s simply the next season. Stay tuned for future updates and new ways to get involved. The work continues, and so does the heart behind it. 🤍

Addison Claire Thomley
“Bringing hope to NICU families one basket, one family, one act of hope at a time.”

10/13/2025

🌟 Feeling Grateful as I Head into Miss National Peanut Festival Week! 🌟

As I prepare to compete for the title of Miss National Peanut Festival, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me along the way. From my amazing family and friends to my sponsors and community, your encouragement has meant so much to me. Every message, prayer, and act of kindness has reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by people who truly believe in me.

I also want to thank everyone who has supported my community service initiative, Nurture Through the NICU. Your donations, kind words, and helping hands have allowed me to bring comfort and hope to families who need it most. You’ve turned my dream of making a difference into something real, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

This week, as I step on that stage, I’ll be carrying all of your love and support with me. No matter the outcome, I’m proud to represent my hometown, my platform, and the incredible people who’ve helped me grow along the way. Here’s to a week filled with tradition, sisterhood, and celebration! 🥜👑✨

With love and appreciation,
Addison Claire Thomley
Miss Houston County 2025
“Bringing hope to NICU families one basket, one family, one act of hope at a time.”

10/03/2025

This afternoon, Emmie and I got to spend some time in a peanut field, and it was such a sweet reminder of the hard work that goes into the simplest things we enjoy every day. 🌱🥜

Standing in the middle of those rows, it’s easy to see why farmers are often called the backbone of our country. From sunrise to sunset, they give their time, energy, and dedication to provide for families across America. Every crop, every harvest, every season—they carry the weight of feeding and sustaining communities.

Today reminded me that agriculture isn’t just about food on our tables, it’s about perseverance, faith, and love for the land. Grateful for the farmers who make it all possible. ❤️

Addison Claire Thomley
Miss Houston County 2025
“Bringing hope to NICU families one basket, one family, one act of hope at a time.”

09/30/2025

09/30/2025

It’s the last day of NICU Awareness month!!

Thank you Preemie Project Of Dothan for the adorable sign for NICU Awareness Month!

We honor all of the NICU parents and newborns who start life with a fight— and the care teams who never leave their sides. From feeding tubes to first snuggles, every milestones matters.

09/30/2025

💚 Wear Green Tomorrow! 💚

Join me in wearing green to support NICU Awareness.
By wearing green, you’re helping shine a light on the strength of NICU babies, the love of their families, and the dedication of the nurses and doctors who care for them.

Let’s come together to spread hope and encouragement for all NICU families. 💚

Addison Claire Thomley
Miss Houston County 2025
“Bringing hope to NICU families one basket, one family, one act of hope at a time.”

09/27/2025

NICU Spotlight: Grayson🩵💚

Grayson was born via emergency C-section. His mom was induced at 41 weeks. After laboring for eight hours he went into distress. His apgar was a 1. He only had a heartbeat. He was quickly taken to the NICU where he stayed 5 nights.

From his mom:
My epideral had worn off for some reason and his heart rate had fallen. So an emergency c section was required to save his life and mine. I will also add this was my third pregnancy and the other two ended in losses. The doctor just so happen to be on the floor already and my labor nurse acted quickly . Within minutes Grayson was born , I was asleep and my husband unable to be in there. His apgar was a 1. He only had a heartbeat. He was quickly taken to the NICU where he stayed 5 nights. The angels that worked in the NICU not only saved my son’s life but also mine. They were informative and guided us through the toughest moments. There is no doubt to me that these ladies are angels in disguise!

09/27/2025

Fun Fact Friday: Baby Power!
Did you know that a baby’s brain doubles in size during the first year of life? Every cuddle, story, and smile helps build the neural connections that support learning, memory, and emotional growth. Even small moments of love and care make a huge difference in a baby’s development!

We also want to give a huge shoutout to the amazing NICU nurses whose dedication and compassion help these little ones thrive every single day. Your work truly changes lives!

Addison Claire Thomley
Miss Houston County 2025
“Bringing hope to NICU families one basket, one family, one act of hope at a time.”

09/25/2025

NICU Spotlight: Ally Henderson💗💜

Ally's journey began with a fight. Born two months early at just 32 weeks in Pensacola, Florida, she spent the first two months of her life in the NICU, weighing only 2 pounds, 2 ounces at birth.
Her weight dropped to a fragile 1 pound, 14 ounces — but ounce by ounce, Ally grew stronger. After 60 days of love, care, and determination, she was finally able to leave the hospital weighing 4 pounds, 3 ounces.
From an early age, Ally showed the same determination that marked her earliest days. By the age of 4, it was clear she had a passion for sports — especially anything involving a ball - and a competitive spirit that couldn't be missed. Though she tried several sports throughout her school years, softball quickly stood out as her true love. Her talent and drive earned her a spot on the Geneva High School varsity softball team as an 8th grader, and she played competitive travel ball as well.
In 11th grade, Ally's lifelong dream became reality when she was offered a scholarship to play college softball at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. Now in her sophomore year, Ally continues to thrive both on and off the field, proudly representing Gulf Coast and chasing excellence with the same heart and grit that have defined her story from day one.
A message from her mom:
To every parent sitting beside an incubator, watching their tiny warrior fight — hold on to hope. The days may feel long, and the journey may be overwhelming, but miracles happen every day in those NICU rooms. Ally is living proof that even the smallest beginnings can lead to extraordinary futures. Your child's story is still being written — and it could be more

09/25/2025

✨ Delivery Day ✨

Today was another beautiful reminder of why Nurture Through the NICU exists. We had the joy of delivering baskets filled with comfort and encouragement to families currently walking the NICU journey. Each basket is more than just items—it’s a reminder of hope, strength, and the power of community.

We also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible nurses who serve these little fighters and their families each day. Their compassion, dedication, and tireless care make such a difference in some of life’s hardest moments. They aren’t just medical professionals—they are encouragers, advocates, and everyday heroes. 💙

Thank you to everyone who makes these deliveries possible, from donors to volunteers to the amazing NICU staff who welcome us with open arms. Together, we are bringing light and hope into places where it’s needed most. 🌸

Addison Claire Thomley
Miss Houston County 2025
“Bringing hope to NICU families one basket, one family, one act of hope at a time.”

09/22/2025

NICU Spotlight: Bella 🔆

Bella was born 02/14/2010 at 28 weeks. She weighed 2lb and 14 oz. She was so tiny, but she was a fighter from day one. She is now 15 and thriving. You would never know she one was so tiny. Her family is so greatful for UAB NICU, Ronald McDonald house, and the good Lord above for helping to bring their precious baby home!