BAKERSFIELD, CA - Local families celebrated life today at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Graduate Reunion at Memorial Hospital. The event gave families the opportunity to share precious memories and renew old friendships.
Laura Daniels came to the event with her daughter, Kali-Rose, who is a graduate of NICU. "Kali Rose was born at 22-weeks and five-days, just a pound, four-hundred and sixty grams. She was immediately admitted into the NICU and without the nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatologists, she wouldn't be here today," Daniels said.
Dr. Madhu Bhogal, MD, started the NICU reunion 25 years ago. She says it's one of her favorite days. "All the babies come back that were so sick when they were in the unit and now they are all healthy, growing, and enjoying the event," Bhogal said. "In the beginning it was really small, but last year we had four-hundred families and this year we expect more."
Every family had a special story at the NICU Reunion and a special bond with the NICU staff members. Daniels said she loves participating in the event. "We just wanted to come and reunite with all the staff that helped us on our journey."
Berna Koski had her son in the NICU 23 years ago and she still stays in contact with all of the staff. "Just looking at everyone here you know what great job they are doing with these tiny little miracles," Koski said.
Memorial Hospital can care for as many as 31 patients in the NICU at any one time.
Laura Daniels came to the event with her daughter, Kali-Rose, who is a graduate of NICU. "Kali Rose was born at 22-weeks and five-days, just a pound, four-hundred and sixty grams. She was immediately admitted into the NICU and without the nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatologists, she wouldn't be here today," Daniels said.
Dr. Madhu Bhogal, MD, started the NICU reunion 25 years ago. She says it's one of her favorite days. "All the babies come back that were so sick when they were in the unit and now they are all healthy, growing, and enjoying the event," Bhogal said. "In the beginning it was really small, but last year we had four-hundred families and this year we expect more."
Every family had a special story at the NICU Reunion and a special bond with the NICU staff members. Daniels said she loves participating in the event. "We just wanted to come and reunite with all the staff that helped us on our journey."
Berna Koski had her son in the NICU 23 years ago and she still stays in contact with all of the staff. "Just looking at everyone here you know what great job they are doing with these tiny little miracles," Koski said.
Memorial Hospital can care for as many as 31 patients in the NICU at any one time.