NICU Reunion Brings Holiday Cheer and Stories of Strength
- Category: In The News, Patient Stories, Pediatric
- Posted On:
- Written By: Emma James-Wilson
Each December, families return to North Oaks Health System for the annual NICU Reunion, which features holiday crafts, face painting and photos with Santa for children of all ages who have spent time in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
For many, it’s more than a party. It’s a chance to reconnect with the caregivers who helped their babies thrive and other families who faced similar challenges bringing their children into the world.
“We absolutely love seeing all of the children and families, some of whom may have been with us for just a few days, while others stayed much longer,” Director of Women and Children’s Services Tamara Mitchell, MHA, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, CCRN, explains.
Stories of Gratitude and Strength
Angelia Anthony adopted both of her daughters after they spent time in the NICU—32 and 36 days, respectively. New to parenting infants after raising her now-adult daughter, she reflected on the NICU nurses helping her adjust to caring for a newborn again.
"They made me feel very comfortable. It was my first time dealing with anything like this, and they made it very easy,” she remembers. “They kept me updated and helped me relearn everything about newborn care.”
Her advice to new parents?
“If you’re nervous, go with it. The NICU team makes the process easier and less intimidating.”
For Giovanni and Sharon Canzoneri, the NICU became home for two and a half months after their son Matteo was born prematurely at 29 weeks. Now thriving at eight months old, he met Santa for the first time, sporting a painted red nose and a beaming smile.
“It was stressful because, of course, you want to take care of your own baby, but the nurses treated us really well and took great care of Matteo," Giovanni shares. “The technology and care made us more confident. The reality is that your baby’s going to be fine as long as nothing drastic happens.”
Penny Ardoin Curet’s daughter Calin was one of the first patients admitted to the North Oaks NICU in the 1990s after a high-risk pregnancy resulted in her birth at 1 lb. 15 oz. After a four-month NICU stay, Penny brought Calin home in a Christmas stocking two days before Christmas 34 years ago.
This year, Penny and Calin attended the reunion together to reconnect with the nurses and supervisors who extended their care and compassion during an experience she describes as “a roller coaster with high highs and low lows.”
While the North Oaks NICU technology and staff have evolved since Calin’s stay, Penny is confident that new parents will continue to experience the same level of compassion and care that she received as a new mom.
