Brandon Hospital is competing in international Read-a-thon to promote preterm baby development

The two-week Read-a-thon competition (Sept. 8-18) kicked off in the NICU, neonatal intensive care unit at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. Volunteers, families and caregivers are encouraged to read books to babies supporting infant brain development.

"Watching parents sit beside their babies, turning pages, reading softly and realizing that these simple moments are building their baby's future - it's breathtaking. What may feel like a story time is truly a powerful act of love, courage, bonding and developmental care," said Kayleigh Muckley, NICU nurse and Read-a-thon coordinator.

Throughout the annual Read-a-thon, caregivers can select books from Pippa's Library located in Brandon Hospital's NICU. The Brandon Hospital NICU team is striving to break into the top ten this year.

"There is nothing more powerful then hearing the voice of a parent or caregiver telling a story, when a young mind is developing in the NICU. It has a soothing effect on babies and helps make them feel more secure. It is a wonderful way for families to bond with their baby and support their growth," said Dr. Kiran Dwarakanath, neonatologist and medical director at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. "The Read-a-thon is a great way to encourage reading from the very start to our youngest babies."

Last September, 224 NICUs participated and there were a total of 61,054 reading sessions over the 11 day period.