RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In celebration of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Awareness Month, Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center will hold its annual NICU reunion from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at Rusch Park, 7801 Auburn Blvd.

The event will bring together NICU families and staff for a day of reconnecting and festivities.

The reunion will feature food, games, face painting, shaved ice and more, including a fire truck and the hospital’s new NICU ambulance for children to explore. Approximately 30 to 50 families and NICU team members are expected to attend.

“Our annual NICU Reunion is a heartwarming celebration that brings together our resilient graduates and the dedicated care team who supported them through their earliest days,” said Holly Garrett, BSN, RNC-NIC, C-NNIC and C-ELBW from Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center. “This event not only honors the strength of these remarkable children and their families but also reinforces the special bond formed during their NICU stay. It’s a day of smiles, sharing stories and renewed connections that remind us all of the profound impact of compassionate care.”

Patients and doctors will share their stories during the reunion, including a particularly heartwarming story. Ashleigh, born at 28 weeks and weighing just over two pounds, spent nine weeks in the NICU. Her mother, Bri, a teenage mom at the time, was supported by dedicated staff. Inspired by her experience, Bri has been a NICU RN for 27 years. Despite being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Ashleigh has overcome significant challenges and is now pursuing a veterinary medicine degree and a Ph.D. at UC Davis.