Annual NICU reunion celebrates life and good health
Among building blocks, hula hoops and foamy bubbles, hundreds of families celebrated a very special reunion on May 14 at Christiana Hospital.
Children who “graduated” from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) gathered at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center to reconnect with staff who helped parents and their babies while they received specialized care after birth. The annual reunion celebrates the health of children who relied on Christiana Care’s NICU, the only Level III NICU at a high-risk delivering hospital in Delaware.
“Our NICU is a partnership,” said John Stefano, M.D., director of Neonatology. “With our babies and their families at the center of all we do, our goal is to work as a team to help our patients achieve optimal health and to provide a caring, supportive experience for their families during a very difficult time.” The NICU cares for an average of 1,200 babies a year.
Bonnie Chavez, BSN, RNC, assistant nurse manager, said planning the reunion with colleague Jacquie Eubanks, RN, is a special joy for her. “The NICU reunion reaffirms what we do every day,” Chavez said. “It is our privilege to care for these remarkable babies and nurture them to stronger, better health.”
