Deerfield Pre-Teen Runs for Preemies at NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital Infant Special Care Unit

Nothing can describe the joy a parent feels the first time they hold their newborn baby. This was especially true for Lauren and Adam Levy when they welcomed their new baby girl, Nora, who was born 14 weeks premature on July 15, 2014, at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Evanston Hospital. At birth, she weighed 1 pound 3 ounces and was just over 10 inches long. While the couple has been surrounded by family, friends and supporters, one young family member’s love and support has caught the attention of the entire community.

Ella Palzet is Nora’s second cousin and a 6th grader in Deerfield who loves running. When she heard that her cousin Nora was born early and saw her picture, she knew she had to do something to help. On September 27, Ella ran the Chicago Women’s Half Marathon, raising over $7,250. While she had participated in other runs before, this race held an extra special meaning as she was raising funds for her baby cousin and other infants at NorthShore Evanston Hospital’s Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU).

“Running is something that I love to do and I was excited to run for a cause,” shared Ella. “I look forward to sharing this hobby with Nora and one day crossing the finish line with her.”

Baby Nora continues to receive care from the first class doctors and nurses at NorthShore Evanston Hospital’s ISCU, where she is enrolled in two cutting-edge research studies that will help preemies like her achieve the best possible outcomes. Nora’s little life is a testament to the importance of this research, as she, too, is the beneficiary of many brave little babies who came before her.

“We were so touched when we learned that Ella wanted to create a fundraiser to support the peri-neonatal research at NorthShore,” said Nora’s mother Lauren Levy. “Knowing that Nora has already benefited from so much of the research that has taken place at NorthShore Evanston Hospital’s ISCU, we are honored that her contribution to this research will go even further with her cousin’s efforts to raise money and bring more awareness to the cause.”

Superior clinical care for high-risk mothers and babies has attracted more than 30 investigators to peri-neonatal research at NorthShore University HealthSystem. NIH-funded researchers are studying the genetic role in pre-term labor and exploring new therapies for fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Other scientists are focusing on biochemical markers that appear to be highly damaging to the neonatal brain, and strategies to prevent and treat lung disease and fetal birth defects.

Members of the community can still support Ella, Nora and the Neonatal Research Fund by making a tax deductible donation online at foundation.northshore.org/ellaandnora or by mailing a check to NorthShore Foundation at 1033 University Place Suite 450 Evanston, IL 60201. Please make checks payable to the NorthShore Foundation, adding Ella and Nora to the memo line.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 850+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the organization’s primary philanthropic entity. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, cardiovascular care, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.