9-year-old entrepreneur donates mobile library to NICU to help families facing challenges

A 9-year-old entrepreneur is giving back to families facing some of the same challenges he experienced as a newborn.

Jhase Smith recently donated a mobile library cart to the neonatal intensive care unit at Piedmont Hospital.

The cart is filled with books that parents can read to their babies while they receive care in the NICU.

At just 9 years old, Jhase has already built a successful lemonade business. He said he has been running the business for years and used money from its profits to pay for the project.

The cause is deeply personal for Jhase and his family.

His mother said Jhase was born prematurely at about 24 weeks and spent time in the NICU. She said doctors told her that if she had not gone to the hospital when she did, she and her son might not have survived.

“Honestly, it was because so many people poured into us while we were in there,” his mother, Nazjma Smith, said. “The food, the gas, I actually lived almost an hour away from the NICU.”

She said the support they received during that difficult time helped them get through the experience.

Now, Jhase is helping other families facing similar circumstances.

The mobile library cart gives parents access to books they can read to their infants, even when they are not yet able to hold them.

“Reading is important for brain development at all ages, and so even in the NICU it matters,” said Amy Cornum, director of women’s services. “And so we want to encourage that.”

Cornum said the books will help parents bond with their babies and maintain a connection during a stressful period.

Jhase said his own experience inspired him to help other children and families in hospitals.

“I was a NICU baby,” Jhase said. “I was 24 weeks, and then someone helped my mom when she was healthy when I was a little baby. So we’re helping hospitals.”

His mother said her son’s journey continues to inspire her.

“He’s truly a miracle,” she said. “When times get hard, I’m just like, OK, God, I know to perform miracles because I live one.”

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