Tiny Superheroes Overcoming Their Challenges and Thriving
Last year's NICU reunion celebrated tiny superheroes overcoming their challenges and thriving.
Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center will celebrated its annual NICU Reunion event, "Little Campers, Big Adventures" on Sept. 8, 2024, outside the Labor & Delivery department. This heartwarming event is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the incredible journey of hundreds of families and children who received life-saving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
This fall also marks the 10th anniversary of the Sunnyside NICU, making it an extra special occasion for the entire community. Families, friends, and healthcare workers will be able to reconnect and celebrate the progress and growth of these remarkable NICU graduates.
NICU mom Cynthia Hernandez, whose son, Saint, was born at 25 weeks and 6 days gestational age and weighing just 2 pounds 1/2 oz, said “Our journey with Saint in the NICU was one of the most challenging times in our lives, yet one of the most beautiful moments.” Saint was delivered at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside on Sept. 6, 2023, and spent 107 days in the NICU. “The care that Saint received during his stay in the NICU was absolutely incredible. Saint was on a C-pap from birth until he was 36 weeks gestational age. Throughout his stay he also received two blood transfusions. He was on a feeding tube while in the NICU and was able to come home without it."
Hernandez continues, “Saint just celebrated his first birthday! He is full of life and love. You will always catch him smiling and on the go. He is an extraordinarily strong, smart, active and a very alert boy. It was great having the support of the NICU team because they were there every step of the way, making it easier on our family. Especially while juggling two of Saint’s siblings at home and in school."