Reunion a Time to Celebrate NICU Grads

In early June Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), partnering with the March of Dimes , welcomed 2003 and 2004 Newborn Center graduates for a very special reunion celebration. This is the first time the NICU has held the event in several decades.

"Some families return to the NICU on an informal basis and we wanted to give all families an opportunity to return to the place where their baby began life," said Michele Provost, NICU Family Support specialist, March of Dimes, Colorado State Chapter.

The reunion was intended to be a celebration of two journeys: those of the children and the hospital as it relocates to its new home. In addition, it marked the five-year anniversary of the launch of March of Dimes NICU Family Support . When it started in 2002, the program at Children's was one of just three in the entire nation. By the end of 2007, March of Dimes NICU Family Support is slated to be part of more than 50 hospitals, serving up to 35,000 families across the U.S.

More than 250 people attended the reunion, which gave families an opportunity to reconnect with staff who cared for their children as tiny and fragile infants. During the event, parents and their children mingled with other families during lunch while a slideshow of the NICU grads showcased how far each child has come.

"We were excited about the reunion because the NICU was a huge part of Hannah's beginning," explained JoEllen Nikkel, mother to a 2004 graduate. "As terrifying as it was then, it is good to look back now."

While the children played games or enjoyed arts and craft activities, parents made connections with other families, who had similar experiences. 

"You don't talk much with other parents when you are in the NICU, but in a way you are aware of them," she explained. "We were all thrown into a surreal world at the same time and all coped the best we could. Now, at the reunion, we got to share stories and encourage one another."

Staff, in turn, walked way with more appreciation of how much the work they do daily matters to these children and their families.

"Seeing the families' faces when they've recognized their favorite caregiver elicited goose bumps," said Amber Bougher, unit supervisor, NICU.  "That caregiver/patient relationship is long lasting."