Oh Baby! Sinai's Smallest Patients Attend the Hospital's Biggest Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Reunion

It was a day filled with laughter, hugs and “remember whens” as former patients of the Jennifer Gandel Kachura Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families got together recently to celebrate with Sinai Hospital’s NICU caregivers and other families at a special annual reunion.

Nearly 300 families stopped by to catch up with the women and men who made their first weeks of life so extraordinary. Some families come back year after year. “It’s incredible to see these happy, healthy children visit us. Our hearts are filled with joy,” says Melissa Wisniewski, a clinical leader in neonatology. “Watching them run around with so much energy is wonderful.”

The party had a superhero theme, and each child got his or her own cape and could color a mask! They also received a stuffed animal bear, and could have their face painted.

The Jennifer Gandel Kachura Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sinai works with premature and critically ill newborns. The staff also provides extensive support and educates families about ongoing care at home. Newborns can spend a day or several months in the NICUafter they are born.

Jennifer Gandel Kachura’s mother, Barbara Gandel, was at the event and spoke to the gathering. She shared memories of her beloved daughter and why the neonatal staff, patients and families are so important to her. Staff and families told her how much her continuing support means to them.

Several area businesses also donated items that were put into baskets for some lucky attendees.

Sinai Hospital is part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health also includes Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and related subsidiaries and affiliates.

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