St. E’s celebration: from special care to growing kids
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN — When they were infants in St. Elizabeth’s Neonatal Unit, they looked frail and pale; some spent time in incubators or warming blankets; others were hooked up to tubes; and still others faced surgeries. One of the smallest barely tipped the scale at 1 pound, 6 ounces. (He’s now 12 years old and doing fine.)
Just look at them now! They’re healthy babies, toddlers, youngsters and teenagers.
Some 300 former neonatal unit patients, parents and other family relatives attended an aptly titled “How We’ve Grown” event Sunday afternoon at Master’s Pavilion at Boardman Township Park. The activity included a bounce around, slide, pumpkin painting, twist contest and bubble wand. Children also planted a marigold seeds to go with the “How We’ve Grown” theme. There also was a safety village, where children learned some tips.
The former patients, ranging in age from mere months to 19 years old, were doing what kids do naturally ... having fun and loving life.
“It’s a celebration of living and overcoming health challenges,” said Annie Soffran, public relations specialist with Humility of Mary Health Partners.
“The purpose is to bring families together,” she said of the reunion. There have been other such get-togethers, though they haven’t been held annually.
For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.