Running to Support Our Tiniest Patients

This past Sunday, I ran in our 29th annual Father’s Day 5K. This annual event, presented by the GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary, has raised funds for the NICU and has offered GBMC employees, volunteers, and the general public an opportunity to support our program. Over the past 28 years, the annual Father’s Day 5K has raised more than $1.75 million for the NICU.

We have a phenomenal NICU that achieves clinical outcomes as good or better than many bigger units. We have outstanding neonatologists, pediatricians and nurse practitioners. The staff includes incredibly talented and dedicated nurses and therapists. It is very expensive to staff the unit and keeps it updated with the latest equipment. The money raised by our annual Father’s Day Run is essential for the NICU. The event also creates greater awareness of the strengths of our program and the wonderful expertise and commitment of our NICU staff.

GBMC is a community-based system of care. The outpouring of community support at the race was incredible. It was great to see so many parents of former NICU babies, as well as so many dedicated members of the community and the GBMC staff, come out and run for this terrific cause.

I’m proud to report that this year’s event raised more than $127,000.00 for the NICU, which is phenomenal! I want to thank the close to 800 participants, who ran or walked, and who spent part of their Father’s Day with GBMC to help support the NICU babies and their families.

I also want to thank everyone involved in our community Wellness Fair which featured health-related vendors, as well as the “Baby Doll/Stuffed Animal Hospital” for injured dolls and bears to receive treatment and repairs as needed. Additionally, the MIX 106.5 Radio van was on-site playing music and sharing prizes. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore was also present with fun animal friends for the kids’ area. Great work everyone!!!

GBMC Night at “The Yard”
I hope all of those who attended the GBMC Employee Night at Camden Yards, Tuesday evening, had a lot of fun. I was really pleased to see many of our people attend and enjoy time with their colleagues. The weather was really nice and what made the evening much better was the Orioles victory!