How Loss Inspired Life-Changing Support for NICU Families with Thomas Reives

Thomas Reives (Rose-Hulman ’05) and his wife, Shecara, turned their loss and family tragedy into support for others. In 2017, Thomas and Shecara lost their son Rook after a premature birth and NICU stay. Their surviving twin, Carmine, spent 165 days in the NICU and continues to thrive with ongoing therapies. Because of this difficult experience, the Reives family created Rook’s Books, a collection of children’s books and family resources designed to support families navigating NICU life, tracheostomy decisions, and diagnoses such as Down syndrome. Many of the books are donated to hospitals, including Riley, Eskenazi, and St. Vincent. Their nonprofit, Rook’s Resources, serves families through meals, support, and community outreach. Thomas also shares the story of Carmine’s Convoy, a multi-day walk organized by his ATO chapter at Rose-Hulman that raised $42,000 to support families in need. Visit https://www.rooksbooks.org/⁠ to find out more about or to support Rook's Books and Rook's resources.