Mercyhealth to hold 40th annual NICU Reunion on September 13

Mercyhealth is pleased to announce it will hold its 40th annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion on Sunday, September 13, 1-4 pm, at Mercyhealth's Javon Bea Hospital and Physician Clinic-Riverside.

NICU graduates and their families are invited to visit with the medical staff that provided their care and other families who have been on similar journeys. Because many NICU patients spend several days to months in the unit, strong bonds are formed and the reunion is a way to reconnect.

"Each year, this reunion is one of the highlights of our calendar," said Dr. Kimberly Remedios-Smith, neonatologist and medical director of the NICU at Mercyhealth. "As medical director, I have the privilege of speaking on behalf of our entire team-our neonatologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and every member of the staff who cared for these infants in their earliest and most fragile days. The little graduates we celebrate at the reunion began the journey of life in our care, often against remarkable odds. What they've accomplished, they did not accomplish alone. Alongside our team stood their parents and advocates, present though it all, at every setback and at every hard-won milestone. That partnership between the family and care team is the heart of everything we do."

The NICU Reunion is hosted by the NICU staff. There will be pony rides, games and prizes, giveaways and refreshments.

"The NICU journey can be challenging, but families never walk it alone," said Jennifer Wessel, director of perinatal and neonatal services at Mercyhealth. "This reunion celebrates the strength and resilience of our NICU graduates, their families, and the dedicated health care team here at Mercyhealth who work together to provide compassionate, specialized care. We are honored to continue being part of these families' stories."

Note: Media wishing to cover this event must check in at the front desk lobby of the Adult Entrance at Mercyhealth's Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside. Therese Michels will be there to escort media to the reunion location in the hospital. Please arrive at 2 pm.