The sound of children’s laughter filled the Chehaw Creekside Center this past Sunday, as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ at Phoebe hosted a NICU Graduation Party for children who had been cared for in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Aflac, a national CMNH partner, sponsored the event and made the joyful afternoon possible.
 
“The reunion means so much to everyone involved,” said Becca Miller, Children’s Miracle Network Coordinator. “To be able to celebrate being out of the NICU is such an amazingly special moment for these families who have been through so much.”
 
The event was an opportunity for many families from around Southwest Georgia to reunite with the physicians and nurses who not only cared for their babies, but also helped the parents emotionally.
 
“Welcoming a new baby into the world is always emotional, but the emotions NICU families go through in the first days, weeks, and sometimes months of their child’s life can be very overwhelming,” said Brittany Berry, NICU Nurse Manager.  “An event like this is a great opportunity for these families to share their experiences with each other – providing a level of comfort and creates a very special bond.”
 
Patients ranging in ages 6 months to 5 years old attended the party, along with their parents and siblings. Sabrina Harris, now 20 years old, was treated in Phoebe’s NICU for three months after she was born. Sabrina and her mother Vicki shared her incredible story to give the families hope of all what their children will accomplish in the years to come. The afternoon was filled with fun activities and a special animal program. Miller says she hopes to make this an annual event.