VALENTINE, Neb. — What began as a heartbreaking loss for a Valentine family has grown into a mission that’s helping hundreds of others.

In 2014, Brad and Morgan Arnold were expecting twin boys. The pregnancy was healthy — until suddenly, it wasn’t. Morgan delivered three months early, and both babies were rushed to a NICU in Omaha.

“It was a shock, and I was in shock for a long time,” Morgan said.

Both boys, Brooks and Lincoln, fought for their lives. Nine days later, Brooks died.

“I remember it like it was yesterday. There was every nurse, PA and doctor around. He coded. They tried to save him for probably 15 minutes. One of the doctors who we had a fantastic relationship with—she’s one of the best people we’ve ever been around—turned around and was crying. She told Morgan, ‘I don’t think we can keep doing this. We’re just hurting him more.’ Then they pulled everything off of him,” Brad said.

“I asked if I could hold him before his last breath,” Morgan said. “Lincoln was in the other room. His stats were going wild the entire time while things were bad for Brooks. We did get to take Brooks over to Lincoln. The bond that they had was pretty crazy.”

“Yeah, it’s real,” Brad added.

Lincoln would spend the next three months in the NICU. Brad and Morgan said they were blessed to have family, friends and employers’ support that allowed them to stay with him.

“One thing we did notice was families like us that didn’t have support like us. They had to go back home and leave their kid in the NICU literally fighting for their life,” Brad said.

When the Arnolds returned home, their friends organized a golf tournament to help with expenses. That inspired them to launch the Brooks Arnold Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting NICU families. Its main fundraising comes through golf tournaments.

“We look forward to it every year. It’s a good time,” said golf tournament participant Evan Osnes.

Now in its 11th year, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Last weekend’s Valentine tournament alone brought in a record amount — more than $54,300.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to do this and help families who are in the lowest places. I’ve had phone calls from a mother in Alabama who lost one of her kids. I was her first phone call,” Brad said.

“Like 20 minutes later—she had no one else to call,” Morgan said.
“She had no idea how to navigate the process of burying a kid or what you do after they pass,” Brad said.

For the Arnolds, the pain of losing Brooks will never go away. But it has fueled a legacy that continues to change lives.

“When I see Lincoln, I picture Brooks. It’s awesome,” Brad said.
“It’s definitely honoring his name and doing good in the world,” Morgan said.

Even though this year's golf tournaments have been sold out, you can donate to the nonprofit at anytime. For more information, email brooksarnoldfoundation@gmail.com, call (402) 322-0786, or check out the foundation's Facebook page.