Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center recently welcomed back 300 families whose babies in 2020 and 2021 spent their first days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The joyful, activity-filled reunion was the first such gathering since 2018. Reunions scheduled for 2020 and 2022 were canceled due to the pandemic.

This day is a chance to celebrate their wellness and focus on the fact that, despite a bumpy start, they’re now healthy little children. It brings normalcy and celebration.

— Kim Menzel, SVP and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Roseville.

For most parents, a stay in the NICU is an emotional and stressful time but the reunions, several years after the babies went home, were now a chance to celebrate wellness.

“It’s really a trying time for families when they have a baby in the NICU. Most families think they will come here, have their baby, and go home, but things don’t always go as planned,” said Kim Menzel, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente in Roseville. “This day is a chance to celebrate their wellness and focus on the fact that, despite a bumpy start, they’re now healthy little children. It brings normalcy and celebration.”

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexandria Aguilar and her family welcomed their son, Ezra, earlier than expected.

Born at 35 weeks, Ezra spent a week in the Roseville NICU.

“It was a little scary not knowing who could be in the room and what to do that week during the pandemic,” said Aguilar. “We made it through.”

Four years later at October’s reunion, Aguilar was filled with emotion at the sight of NICU staff nurse Carol Bunton.

“Because of all the help from Carol, she made it possible for me to be able to hold him, made everything possible for my daughters to see him,” she said. “She did everything she could for Ezra and our family, and we are very thankful.”

Bunton was happy to see healthy-looking Ezra, knowing that she had a part in making sure that the now 4-year-old was Ok and able to go home safely.

“It was very emotional because you often don’t know what happens after the babies leave the NICU,” said Bunton. “It’s an honor to be able to be reunited and see the patients.”

There was another NICU reunion for the Walnut Creek Medical Center families and care teams. In August, more than 200 former patients and staff gathered for an afternoon filled with activities, live entertainment, and lots of hugs. Intensive care unit staff joined in the fun — line dancing with smiling children.

“A special bond develops between the NICU families and the nurses, doctors, social workers, respiratory therapists, physical therapists,” said NICU nurse Miriam Madamba, RN. “They become extended family members.”

Kayla Oertel, an active participant in the Walnut Creek Medical Center’s Parent Family Advisory Council, knows about that bond. She’s has had two children in the NICU.

In 2019, Liam Oertel was born at 25 weeks, remaining in the hospital for five months. His brother, Miles, was born at 37 weeks and spent a few days in the NICU.

The Oertels enjoyed reconnecting with Liam’s NICU nurse, Arlene Stavropoulos, RN.

“Arlene was there for us every step of the way. She’s so loving, and she’s part of our family,” Oertel said. “These nurses very much loved my babies.”

Stavropoulos also said it’s wonderful to reconnect with families.  “It’s pretty special when a family entrusts you to take care of their baby.”

With 4 children who were in the NICU, Michelle Baldomero also knows the NICU well.

“Being in the NICU is so tough, but we had the most caring, impeccable NICU staff,” Baldomero said. “It’s so great to be here today to reconnect and thank them.”

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