THERE’S GOOD NEWS: NICU families unite at St. Charles Bend for heartwarming reunion event

Families who had children treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Charles Bend gathered on Saturday for a reunion event. The celebration brought together parents, children, nurses, doctors and hospital staff to acknowledge their shared experiences and the progress of the young patients.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, also known as NICU, is a specialized department that provides care for sick or premature babies. Attendees shared a common bond from their time in the NICU, offering a unique opportunity for connection and understanding.

Matt Skarzynski, father to Angie, emphasized the importance of the gathering. "Getting to be here and celebrate with other families who can understand what that experience is like is just really important to us," Skarzynski said.

Skarzynski and Angel Speranza experienced firsthand the critical care provided by the NICU. Their daughter, Angie, was born at 27 weeks and two days, weighing only one pound and nine ounces. Speranza, Angie's mother, recalled the difficult moments following Angie's birth. "When I was in the O.R. and they whisked her away and we didn't know if she was alive or not. It was really hard," Speranza said.

Angie spent nearly four months in the NICU. Skarzynski noted the extensive support the family received during that time. "We were wrapped around by such a big community in the NICU of the folks who worked there and spending close to four months having so many additional people who cared and loved for Angie and were invested in her progress, was a start to parenthood that you don't get any other way," Skarzynski said.

Heather Bristol, a NICU Nurse at St. Charles Bend, reflected on the profound nature of her work.

"There's so much hope and new life, no matter what that life weighs, whether it's a pound or 10 pounds. It's incredibly humbling to hold a child that fits in the palm of your hand and an incredible responsibility," Bristol said.

Dr. Patrick Lewallen, NICU Medical Director, expressed the joy of seeing the children thrive. "It's super impactful because they start out often like this. And to see them running around and playing and parents saying they're doing great, it's just the best news in the world," Dr. Lewallen said.

The reunion featured various activities for the children and their families, including a bounce house, face painting and balloon artists. Displays of incubators and other medical equipment used in the NICU were also available for attendees to view.

Amid the happiness and celebration, there were also moments of reflection. A table was set up to remember NICU babies who did not survive. Speranza highlighted the value of the local medical resource. "Just how incredible of a resource it is that we have locally and how experienced the team is. And hopefully nobody needs it. But if they do, they're in very good hands," Speranza said.