St. Charles Bend hosts NICU reunion for former patients and families

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- St. Charles' Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will host a reunion for its current and former patients, their families and caregivers on Saturday, June 13, 2025. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Charles Bend.

The free, family-friendly celebration will feature a variety of activities including games, crafts, face painting, a bouncy house and snacks. Attendees are encouraged to wear superhero costumes for the event.

Erin Hocker, nurse manager for the NICU at St. Charles, highlighted the importance of the gathering. "Our NICU reunion is a special event for families and caregivers alike as we celebrate the amazing progress these families have made. It's such a joy to see the infants we once cared for playing with families and thriving. Join us as we reconnect, celebrate milestones and honor the incredible strength of our NICU families," Hocker said. The reunion is made possible by donors to St. Charles Foundation. It will take place in Conference Rooms A-D at St. Charles Bend. Guests should enter through the main lobby.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP on the St. Charles website at stcharleshealthcare.org/nicureunion.