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NICU Babies Parent Support

Hand to Hold

The NICU is hard. We're here to help. Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents with personalized emotional support, educational resources and community before, during and after their baby's NICU stay. NICU support is available at no cost to NICU parents in English & Spanish.

Learn more or get support at handtohold.org

Follow Hand to Hold:
Facebook.com/HANDtoHOLD
Instagram: @handtohold
Twitter: @NICUHandtoHold
YouTube: @handtohold

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 42 min
  • English
  • S13 · E158
    Wednesday · 11 min

    S13 E158: Season 13: In Their Own Words ft. Kathryn Whitaker

    Everybody has a story. And it's our stories that have the power to heal, educate and inspire. This season, we alternate between family stories and NICU professional stories. We reveal their experiences and then we dig a little deeper, giving honor to the diagnosis and highlighting the emotions, the feelings and the hope. Our guests include an NFL Super Bowl champion and his mom, couples, babies born twice, bereaved parents, neonatologists, maternal fetal medicine doctors, child life specialists and more. Nobody's NICU story, or outcome, is the same, but there are some things universal to the experience. IYKYK.This season is about the experience, the emotion, the outcome and the wisdom. It might be our favorite season yet! 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E157
    July 29 · 36 min

    S12 E157: Grieving Apart ft. Lana Macrum-Craig, Bereaved Single Parent

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Lana shares the story of her daughter, Allie Reese, who was born with restrictive dermopathy and spent three precious weeks in the NICU before her death. She reflects on the profound impact of losing her daughter, the strain that grief placed on her marriage, and the eventual loss of that relationship as she and her husband grieved in different ways. Lana's honest and vulnerable conversation explores the complexities of mourning, healing after multiple losses, and finding support and connection through the bereavement community. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E156
    July 27 · 40 min

    S12 E156: No Matter How Brief ft. Ben & Emilee Blackburn, Bereaved Parents

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Ben and Emilee Blackburn share the story of their daughter, Tatum, who was born prematurely and died shortly after birth. They reflect on the devastating grief that followed, the different ways they each processed their loss, and how their shared commitment to honoring Tatum's memory strengthened their family over time. Their conversation highlights the healing power of purpose and legacy as they offer hope to other bereaved parents navigating life after loss. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Book: Jantsen's Gift by Pam Cope Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E155
    July 22 · 1 hr 2 min

    S12 E155: The Beginning of Grief ft. Jennifer McDonald, Bereaved Parent

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Jennifer McDonald shares the story of her son, Winston, from a complicated pregnancy and early labor to his time in the NICU and the devastating experience of losing him. She reflects on the first year of grief after Winston's death, the ways loss transformed her perspective, and the ongoing process of honoring his memory. Jennifer's heartfelt conversation offers insight into the early stages of bereavement and how she channeled her love for her son. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (MEND) Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E154
    July 20 · 1 hr 22 min

    S12 E154: Stitched with Your Color ft. Anissa Scholes, Bereaved Parent

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Anissa Scholes shares the story of her daughter, Elisabeth, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 before birth and lived for a year surrounded by love and celebration. Anissa reflects on parenting a child with a life-limiting diagnosis, cherishing milestones that many thought impossible, and navigating the profound grief that followed Elisabeth's death. Her moving story explores the deeply personal nature of grief, the importance of supporting bereaved families without judgment, and the challenge of grieving while continuing to care for other children at home. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Texas Childrens Hospital Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center SOFT TedX Talk: Beyond Closure Book: On Loss and Living Onward by Melissa Dalton-Bradford Book: Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff Poem: Separation by W.S. Merwin Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E153
    July 15 · 58 min

    S12 E153: Adding Life ft. Dr. Terri Major-Kincade

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, neonatologist Dr. Terri Major-Kincade shares the role of palliative care in the NICU and how families can navigate difficult or life-limiting diagnoses. She discusses the language healthcare providers use when communicating with parents, the importance of compassionate decision-making, and key questions families can ask their medical team when facing uncertain outcomes. This thoughtful conversation offers guidance, clarity, and support for parents seeking to make informed choices while honoring their baby's life and legacy. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Dr. Terri Major-Kincade's Website Book: Early Arrival by Dr. Terri Major-Kincade Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E152
    July 13 · 53 min

    S12 E152: Channeling Grief Into Good ft. Charles & Claire George

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Claire and Charles George share the story of their son, Thomas, who was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away at the age of three. They candidly discuss the profound grief that followed his death, how they supported one another through loss, and the challenges of grieving as a couple. Their inspiring conversation highlights how they transformed their heartbreak into a legacy of service, channeling their grief into helping and supporting other families facing similar journeys. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Full Circle Grief Center Claire's Website Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E151
    July 8 · 1 hr 6 min

    S12 E151: Immeasurable Love ft. Keira Sorrells

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, Keira Sorrells shares her journey through infertility, a high-risk multiple pregnancy, life in the NICU with her triplets, and the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Zoe, at 14 months old. She reflects on navigating grief while parenting Zoe's surviving sisters, the impact of loss on her marriage, and the ways grief evolves over time. Keira's story is a powerful testament to enduring love, resilience, and finding purpose through advocacy and her work supporting other bereaved families. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Preemie Parent Alliance Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S12 · E150
    July 6 · 39 min

    S12 E150: Grief's Tasks ft. Becca Van Tassel, LCSW

    July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month. Twice a week, we are re-releasing past podcast episodes honoring a variety of families and circumstances in their grief. Trigger warning: this episode centers on infant loss and grief. In this episode, we visit with grief counselor Becca Van Tassel about the challenging work of navigating grief after the loss of a baby. We explore why grief can be so painful, how it differs from depression, and practical ways families can support one another through mourning, including coping with guilt, honoring a child's memory, and helping siblings process loss. Grounded in Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning, this conversation offers compassionate guidance and hope for bereaved NICU families seeking to understand and move through their grief. 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Austin Center for Grief & Loss Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning Book: On Grief & Grieving by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler Book: On Death & Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Ira Byock Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E149
    June 17 · 25 min

    S11 E149: Calling All NICU Baby Cuddlers ft. Lynn Harris

    Lynn Harris is a retired U.S. Army veteran and longtime volunteer at St. David's Medical Center in Austin. For more than a decade, he has served in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as a "baby cuddler," providing comfort and gentle care to premature and medically fragile newborns. In this episode, Lynn encourages others, especially men, to consider what he considers to be "the most fun job I've ever had." 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with St. David's Austin Medical Center Facebook | X | YouTube | Website 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links People magazine Texas Monthly magazine Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E148
    June 3 · 32 min

    S11 E148: Calling All NICU Grandfathers ft. Avid Noble

    Avid Noble's introduction to Hand to Hold came first as a third-party vendor, helping a friend of a friend. A few years later, it was Avid reaching out to Hand to Hold for help when his first grandbaby was in the NICU. In this touching episode, Avid shares his greatest fears, how he stepped in to help, what he credits are the hallmarks of good boundaries and how the smallest moments made up his best days in the NICU with his grandson, "Big Man" Maverick. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Avid Noble LinkedIn 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 113: How Can I Support My NICU Grandbaby (NICU Grandmothers) Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • May 20 · 33 min

    S11 E147: Calling All Micropreemie NICU Dads ft. Lucas Manring

    Everything was normal, until it wasn't. Lucas Manring's first baby was born via emergency c-section at 25 weeks and he found himself plunged into fatherhood faster than he imagined. Lucas shares how a strong community of men, physical fitness and honest communication with his wife enabled him to walk out of the NICU with confidence, purpose and deep gratitude. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Lucas Manring LinkedIn 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E146
    May 6 · 45 min

    S11 E146: Calling All Bereaved & Veteran NICU Dads ft. Matt Bialkowski

    Matt Bialkowski is a two-time NICU dad and bereaved father. His first stint in the NICU left him struggling and seeking purpose, but over the course of their four-month NICU stay, Matt found renewed purpose. After their second pregnancy ended in loss and then another baby placed them back in the NICU, he walked in, and out, a different man. Today, Matt's heart is with other men as he shares important conversations in his podcast, Dads of the NICU, helping NICU dads in Australia, and around the world, find healthy ways to cope with a premature birth. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Matt Bialkowski Instagram | Facebook | Podcast 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Podcast, Healthy Habits as a NICU Dad Miracle Babies Foundation Life's Little Treasures Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E145
    April 29 · 36 min

    S11 E145: A Men's Mental Health Expert ft. Sheehan Fisher, Ph.D

    Dr. Sheehan Fisher's entire career has been focused on the mothers and fathers unique contributions to the family and child health, with a specialization in the emerging field of father mental health. As a clinical psychologist at Northwestern, he has a heart for helping dads understand the effects of psychosocial stress on their mood, parenting, and ultimately infant/child health outcomes. His expert advice and wisdom will be a gift to dads who listen. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Sheehan Fisher X: https://x.com/SheehanDFisher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheehandfisher Website: https://www.sheehanfisher.com/ 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Postpartum Support International Huffington Post: Why We Need to be Talking about PPD in Dads Huffington Post: We Must Stop Treating Fathers as the Appendix of the Family's Health Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E144
    April 15 · 44 min

    S11 E144: Calling All Military NICU Dads ft. Adam Wood

    With a military career that spans more than 20 years, Adam Wood thought his training would prepare him for a NICU stay. While there were some similarities, he discovered that learning and advocacy were in his new battle plans as he supported his wife and their miracle baby. That newfound role instilled a strong desire in Adam to author books for NICU families, as well as provide much-needed levity on social media. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Adam Wood Instagram | Facebook | X | Website 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Books for families of NICU babies Dr. Prem Fort, Neonatologist Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E143
    April 1 · 36 min

    S11 E143: Calling All NICU Co-Parenting Dads ft. Aaron Vasquez

    When Aaron's (then) wife developed pre-eclampsia and was ushered to the hospital in an ambulance, he quickly found himself the dad of a 29-weeker. He was wholly unprepared for the sleeplessness, the worry and the cadence of the NICU. In this episode, he shares what he did to rediscover his mental health, how he's navigating co-parenting with his ex-wife, the hallmarks of his best NICU days and how fatherhood has reframed his career as a professional chef. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Aaron Vasquez Nourish Texas | Website 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E142
    March 18 · 39 min

    S11 E142: Calling All NICU Dads of Multiples ft. Jonathan Sandhu

    Identical quadruplet girls + 2 other children, all under 6? If there's a dad that gets multiples and all that comes with it, it's engineer and dad of quads, Jonathan Sandhu. In this episode, Jonathan shares how he reconciled best-case and worst-case scenarios with his wife and the babies, the hilarious difference between mom and dad online support groups, how he integrated work, family and life and the phone call that changed his perspective. If you've ever wondered how a NICU dad of multiples leans into the chaos, this one's for you. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Jonathan Sandhu Instagram 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Texas Monthly Magazine The Today Show People Magazine Hand to Hold Podcast Busby Family YouTube Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E141
    March 4 · 45 min

    S11 E141: Calling All NICU Dads of Big Families ft. Scott Whitaker

    Dads of big families, welcome to the group chat. Fundraiser and father of 6, including two NICU babies, Scott Whitaker shares how he embraced his role as a NICU dad, his clutch advice for other NICU dads (big or small families) and his honest reaction when his wife said she wanted to have another baby after their 44-day NICU stay. 💚 Connect with Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with Scott Whitaker Instagram | X 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 🔗Links Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 100: Real or Filtered? Sharing Your NICU Story on Social Media Hand to Hold podcast, Episode 72: Mental Health, Why We Said Yes to Marriage Counseling Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S11 · E140
    February 18 · 9 min

    S11 E140: Season 11: Calling All NICU Dads ft. Kathryn Whitaker

    There are so many resources for NICU moms, but what about the dads, the grandfathers, the uncles and the men of the NICU? This season is all about them - their perspectives, their experiences, how they supported their partners, wives, grandkids and friends. The NICU affects an entire family and it's time to introduce the guys to the group chat. Our guests include dads of quads, NICU cuddlers, rare disease dads, micropreemie dads, mental health advocates and more. Their stories are varied and we hope that something they've learned will resonate with you and the men in your life who have had a NICU experience. Let's hear it for the boys! 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

  • S10 · E139
    Dec 10, 2025 · 49 min

    S10 E139: What I Wish I Knew About…My Pediatrician ft. Dr. Mona Amin (@PedsDocTalk)

    In this episode, pediatrician and creator Dr. Mona Amin (@PedsDocTalk) shares her path into medicine, why patient connection is important to her and how she built a meaningful presence on social media. Dr. Amin opens up about her own emotional NICU journey, sharing what she wishes she had known as a new parent and how that experience transformed the way she supports families today. Together, we explore everything from NICU guilt, milestones, and medical overwhelm to what truly empowers parents as they advocate for their babies—both in the hospital and long after they go home. 💚 Connect with the host, Kathryn Whitaker Instagram | Facebook | Website 💚 Connect with the guest, Dr. Mona Amin Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Website | Podcast | Newsletter 📺Socials 📺 Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Music Thriving Together [Full version] by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10332-thriving-together-full-version License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Bright Colors Of Life by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7855-bright-colors-of-life License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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