Kids & Family
NICU Reunion Celebrates Patients and Families
On June 24, there was music, face painting, stickers and lots of proud and happy parents at Kaiser Permanente.
Triplets Anyah, Avah and Alyssah weighed a mere one pound, six ounces each when they were born, spending three and half months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kaiser Permanente’s Walnut Creek Medical Center.
One recent Saturday, the triplets, spunky 2-year olds now, and their parents Ashley and Antonio Case were among 250 people who joined a gathering in Walnut Creek that brings together NICU patients and their families to reunite with many of the nurses and physicians who cared for them during their stay.
“It was a blessing, “said Ashley. “We didn’t worry about the girls at all. They told us they would take care of our girls, and they did. I am just grateful for the NICU.”
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At the reunion on June 24, there was music, face painting, stickers and lots of proud and happy parents watching over their little ones.
About 3,500 babies are born each year at Kaiser Permanente’s Walnut Creek Medical Center. Roughly 440 of those spend time in the NICU. The Level III NICU has a team of neonatologists, pediatricians, respiratory therapists, and specially trained nurses who provide care for infants with all types of issues, including premature births, infections, and respiratory distress.
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The NICU reunion is held every other year. In addition to face painting, a bounce house and other craft activities, dogs and cats from ARF shared hugs and the occasional kiss. But for many parents, the event was a chance to thank the nurses and caregivers who made such a positive impact on their lives.
“To see how far these children have come and be a part of that celebration is important to us as caregivers. And to be a part of so many lives, is extremely touching,” said Miriam Madamba, NICU nurse and one of the organizers of the reunion.
“This event is such a gift,” said Julita Geislinger, a NICU nurse and one of the organizers of the reunion. “We, as caregivers, get to see the families that we helped and the parents are able to share just how their babies have thrived. It is so rewarding to see familiar faces, share stories and see all the successes of our youngest patients.”