Babies Who Fought to Survive to Reunite at 10th Annual Newborn ICU Reunion Party

WHAT:

More than tiny 700 newborns, some born no larger than a pencil or heavier than a can of Coke, are cared for each year in Intermountain Medical Center’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit. To recognize these NICU graduates and the battles they survived, babies and their families will return to the hospital on Saturday for the 10th annual Newborn ICU Graduates Reunion Party.

More than 500 people are expected for Saturday's party.

The reunion party will be held from 5 to 8 pm in the Doty Education Center at Intermountain Medical Center, 5300 South and State Street in Murray. The Doty Education Center is located on the north end of the medical campus, accessible on the west main parking lot entrance.

The reunion party will include visits from Life Flight, Murray Fire Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, and Red Cross, as well as carnival games, cotton candy, train rides, and a picnic dinner.

“This is a great way for our patients and their families to see what a difference Intermountain Medical Center makes in patients lives, and come back to celebrate with their friends, family and staff,” says Eve Thorup, RN, nurse manager in the Newborn ICU. "Our staff looks forward to this reunion each year. It gives us an opportunity to see their growth and development into healthy toddlers and young people. It's satisfying to know that we played an important role in that process."

“It’s also a chance for families to connect with others who have gone through similar trials and experiences. We have always had success with our reunions in the past and expect it to be just as great this year," she says.

The Newborn ICU at Intermountain Medical Center has the most advanced level of newborn care in the Intermountain Region and is equipped with the latest neonatal technology and communication systems, which increases effectiveness in monitoring a baby’s status and watching for clinical alerts. There are many other unique features such as private rooms for each patient and pass through windows in the delivery/operating rooms for emergency cases that need rapid emergency response from the Newborn ICU team.

WHEN:

Saturday, August 7, 2010
5 - 8 pm

WHERE:

Intermountain Medical Center
5121 South Cottonwood Street (5300 S. and State) in Murray