Hanto + Clarke: Building Hope from Experience

For both Michael and Chelsie Clarke, and Stephen and Ashley Clarke, the journey to parenthood began with joy—and quickly transformed into fear. Each family faced the frightening reality of unexpected complications, early deliveries, and days spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). But through these deeply personal challenges, they also discovered something extraordinary: unwavering care, expert guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Michael and Chelsie’s first pregnancy took an unexpected turn in the third trimester. What they assumed were harmless Braxton Hicks contractions revealed themselves to be signs of preterm labor. Despite the best efforts of their medical team, their son, Colin, was born four and a half weeks early. With no prior warning that NICU care would be needed, they were thrust into a room full of critical care staff and intense uncertainty.

Colin spent five days in the NICU. It was a time of worry, but also one of learning and support. Every day, they saw progress—fewer wires, stronger feeding, and more signs that Colin was growing stronger. The NICU staff not only cared for their son but also empowered Chelsie and Michael to become confident, involved parents.

"What could be viewed as chaos and fear was met with extreme calm and care," said Michael Clarke. In the middle of a terrifying moment, the staff communicated with us and reassured us every step of the way. It is amazing that in a time that is very scary and chaotic, they can take the time to recognize that the parents are just as important in this process and keep them calm." 

Stephen and Ashley’s experience began similarly. Expecting their first child, Jackson, they were caught off guard when Ashley developed preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome late in her pregnancy. She was transferred to Sacred Heart Hospital and underwent an emergency C-section. Jackson was born six weeks early and was immediately taken to the NICU at Studer Family Children’s Hospital.

For 11 days, Stephen and Ashley navigated the challenges of the NICU environment—the alarms, the fear, the learning curve—and the emotional toll of going home before their baby was able to. But they also found comfort in the calm, skilled presence of the NICU staff who guided them through every uncertain moment. Years later, when their third child, Millie, also needed a NICU stay, they experienced the hospital’s brand-new NICU—an environment they themselves had helped shape.

Stephen and Ashley credit the support and compassion of Studer Family Children’s Hospital as the foundation of their strength during some of life’s hardest moments. And out of their personal trials came a professional and philanthropic commitment: to give back to the place that once carried them.

Through their construction firm Hanto + Clarke, both families have become active supporters of the hospital’s mission. Since 2022, Hanto + Clarke has proudly sponsored the Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon, a fundraising effort that directly benefits the Children’s Hospital that helped their children thrive. In addition to financial support, Hanto + Clarke has played a vital role in improving the physical spaces of the hospital—including contributing to the redesign of the NICU itself.

The impact of their experiences goes far beyond construction projects and donations. Their stories have inspired a deeper purpose—building not just hospitals, but hope for families facing the same fears they once did.

For Michael, the connection began long before fatherhood. As a teenager, he volunteered more than 250 hours at Sacred Heart Hospital, including in the NICU. For Stephen and Ashley, the support they received as NICU parents opened their eyes to the broader needs of families in crisis—motivating them to give back and advocate for expanded access to quality care and family-centered hospital experiences.

“You don’t realize what you need until you’re in the middle of it,” said Stephen Clarke. “In a traumatic situation, their support can feel like an afterthought—until it becomes everything. The way they care for families and take the pressure off during the hardest moments of their lives is something I’m incredibly grateful for.” 

Together, the Clarke families have transformed personal hardship into lasting impact. Their partnership with Studer Family Children’s Hospital through Hanto + Clarke is more than a sponsorship—it’s a legacy of gratitude, compassion, and service.

From NICU parents to community champions, Michael, Chelsie, Stephen, and Ashley Clarke are building more than structures. They are building a future where every family has access to the care, support, and hope they need—when it matters most.