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Health & Fitness

Kaiser Permanente's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Brings Aloha to Walnut Creek

Held every other year, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit reunion at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek brings together NICU patients and their families to reunite with many of the nurses and physicians who cared for them during their stay.

The parents and strollers slowly snaked their way through the tents as the active toddlers ran ahead to the bubble display and lawn bowling area, cruising past the face painting station and stopping just long enough to snack on some cheese crackers.

It was a full day of smiles, hugs, laughter and a few tears. This was the patient reunion of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Kaiser Permanente’s Walnut Creek Medical Center. Held every other year, the reunion brings together NICU patients and their families to reunite with many of the nurses and physicians who cared for them during their stay.

Isabella, Savannah and Makayla were born at 24 weeks and two days. They weighed two pounds each and spent three months in the NICU. “The nurses, they keep you calm. They were a real blessing, every single one of them,” said Michelle Algood, mom to the active trio. “I was so afraid then…I had never even seen a premature baby before. But now all are doing so well.” The triplets are now three years old.

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Roughly 250 parents and children attended the Hawaiian-themed reunion on September 21st. Tascha McGuire said she became emotional while driving to the reunion. She and her husband have 10-month old twin girls, Addison and Avery. “We live in Rodeo and are not out this way much. But I almost got teary driving here and coming back, remembering so many things.  But now it is for a good reason…this reunion,” she said smiling.

Ryan turned two in August and spent nearly 3 months in the NICU. He was born at 28 weeks and 4 days. His mom, Kelley Kirk, says he is a normal mischievous toddler with just a few speech delays. “I remember being in the hospital with Ryan during the last reunion two years ago…crazy to think that I am here now!”

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About 3,500 babies are born each year at Kaiser Permanente’s Walnut Creek Medical Center. Roughly 440 of those spend time in the NICU. The Level III NICU has a team of neonatologists, pediatricians, respiratory therapists, and specially trained nurses who provide care for infants with all types of issues, including premature births, infections, and respiratory distress.

“Thank you for allowing us to be part of your family,” said Bernadette Medeiros, BSN, MHA, clinical services director of the NICU, as she addressed the families. “Our doctors and nurses in the NICU provide the most compassionate care to our smallest and most vulnerable members. So thank you for being here today and letting us see how much everyone has grown and thrived.”

“The staff was amazing,” said Lori Dotson, Napa resident and mom to Atticus, born at 34 weeks. “The NICU really parented us. We learned so much. They were our support system, making sure we as parents were okay and reminding us to breathe. They were our support when we needed it most.”





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