Watch Now: Celebrating Life at NICU Reunion

Persistent rain could not dampen the spirits of babies and their families as they celebrated life at the 23rd Annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion on the lake at Baptist Children’s Hospital.

“It would take much more than rain to keep me from showing my gratitude to the doctors and nurses,” said Gloria Rosales, a mother who attended the event.

The former patients of the George Batchelor and Gloria Vasta Lewis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Baptist Children’s Hospital were reunited in a carnival-like setting complete with snow cones, karaoke, face painting, a petting zoo and bounce houses. While the children enjoyed the festivities, many of the adults were busy sharing heartfelt memories with the doctors and nurses who had provided round-the-clock care for their babies. In many cases, parents thanked the caregivers for what the families called “miracles.”

“The reunion is the highlight of my year,” said Andrew Kairalla, M.D., medical director of the neonatal intensive care unit at Baptist Children’s Hospital. “It gives me the opportunity to engage with my patients.”

The Baptist Health South Florida News team was there to capture the celebration. Watch it now.

About the author: Alexandra DeFiore is an intern with the Baptist Health News Team.