Father's Day holds a special place in our hearts as we gather to honor and appreciate the remarkable fathers in our lives. At GBMC HealthCare, we have a cherished Father's Day tradition that supports our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – the annual Father's Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk.
Leading up to this year's event, I want to share a heartwarming story about our NICU, which has been caring for patients since 1968. Ruth Kotschenreuther, RN, was one of the first NICU nurses at GBMC. Although she retired nearly 40 years ago, she recently returned to a transformed NICU to meet her two-and-a-half-week-old great-grandsons. At the time Ruth retired in 1985, the NICU had just received its Level II designation, and is now proudly a 22-bed Level III NICU, providing complex and compassionate medical and general pediatric surgical care for about 400 babies annually that are born too small, too sick or too soon.
The Father's Day 5K provides families with an opportunity to revisit the NICU, a place that may have been their home for several weeks or longer. It also pays tribute to trailblazers like Ruth, who paved the way in NICU nursing, and celebrates the generations of families that GBMC has been privileged to care for. Additionally, the event raises funds to support a brighter future for all the vulnerable infants we treat.
Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to join us. Whether you prefer running, jogging, or leisurely walking, the Father's Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk allows you to stand in solidarity with families who have experienced the NICU journey firsthand.
Each contribution counts. We understand that not everyone may be able to attend the event in person. However, you can still make a meaningful impact by making a donation to support the NICU. Your generosity will help provide state-of-the-art medical equipment, specialized training for healthcare professionals, and ongoing support for families during their NICU experience. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable infants and their families.
Click here to register or make a donation! We hope to see you on Sunday!
National Nursing Assistants Week
June 15-21 is National Nursing Assistants Week. I am grateful to our incredible team of nursing support staff across the health system. From assisting with activities of daily living to monitoring vital signs and offering emotional support, our nursing support staff members go above and beyond to ensure the comfort and well-being of our patients. Please join me in thanking our nursing assistants!
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