Northern-lower Michigan’s only neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) attends to unique needs of the littlest patients.
While devoted caregivers never forget the precious patients they care for, the NICU biennial reunion gives these families a chance to reconnect with their special care givers as well as meet other families.
This year, the invitation is extended to all families, including those who lost their babies in the NICU, as a way to honor these special families and their children.
“This is an event that brings together a group of people who share a unique connection,” said NICU nurse Marissa Loud, RNC, CNS. “It is a relaxed way to get together with families and reminisce about the ups and downs and the ‘firsts’ that were experienced in the NICU. Everyone really looks forward to it.”
The autumn-themed gathering will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 2 - 5 p.m. at First Christian Church, 3786 S. Airport Rd in Traverse City, across from Sam’s Club. It will feature fun family festivities including face painting, a bounce house, and bean bag toss games. Little ones are invited to wear child-friendly costumes and participate in some non-food trick-or-treating. Fall-inspired snacks and goodies will also be served.
“The staff has been planning this reunion since February because they want it to be a worthwhile event for everyone who comes,” Loud said. “Although families will often return to the NICU to visit with our staff, the reunion is meant to be an expanded get-together with people who have really impacted one another’s lives.”
Families are asked to RSVP at munsonhealthcare.org/nicureunion, where they can also submit a photo for the reunion’s slide show, which aims to celebrate and honor every child touched by the NICU. Families can direct any questions to the NICU staff at 231-935-5728.
“People sometimes think that being a NICU nurse means that you just cuddle babies all day long. Anyone who has spent time in the NICU will tell you that loss is part of the reality of the NICU,” said Jillian Finn, RNC, a NICU nurse. “Although our goal is to send every patient home with their family, sometimes we aren’t able to. The patients who weren’t physically able to go home with their parents have a lasting impact on all of us and live on in our hearts and minds. We want to encourage families who have experienced a loss to remember and celebrate their child with us at the reunion.”