Raleigh Community Hospital Throws a Big Reunion Party for Babies and Their Families Raleigh Community Hospital, babies and families will celebrate one year of care in their Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery with a special kind of reunion on Saturday, September 9, 2000 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Hospital will host a reunion party for the families of more than 150 exceptional babies who were cared for in their Level II NICU since July, 1999. Families will receive a gift along with punch, cookies and cake. A professional photographer will be on-hand to take candid photographs and a class picture at 10:30 a.m. The reunion will also give families an opportunity to discuss the challenges they faced in caring for a premature or sick baby.

Throughout the year, our team of nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, dieticians and pharmacists worked hard to make sure each baby received the best care possible, giving parents peace of mind. "It is nice to know we have made a difference to so many families," said Lynne Wall, director of the Childbirth Center.

Many parents have remained in contact with the staff, updating them on the progress of their children and thanking them for their care. Here are two notes from parents.

Dear Dr. Maria Pane (hospital neonatologist), "Words could never tell you how grateful we are for all you did for us and Andrew (not his real name). I realize your 'job' is to take care of Andrew; however, you did much more in our eyes. You were there, you kept us informed, and you cared - that means a lot. You and the nurses in the nursery made a very difficult situation more bearable. We always believed Andrew was a Godsend, we believe you were too! Thanks again," said one family.

Here are the thoughts from another family."Thank you so much for taking such good care of our sweet Amanda (not her real name). She is such a joy to us! We went to the doctor today and she weighed 5 pounds 3 ounces! Amanda is doing great and both my husband and I want to say thank you again for your loving care."

Raleigh Community Hospital is pleased to have impacted the lives of so many families in a positive way. The hospital is proud of the level of care, the success of the nursery and the commitment of the nursery and childbirth center staff.

Raleigh Community Hospital is a 218-bed acute-care facility located one block north of the beltline on Wake Forest Road in North Raleigh. Raleigh Community Hospital is part of the Duke University Health System. A full-service acute care hospital, RCH's range of services includes a 24-hour Emergency Department, Intensive and Critical Care, Child Birth Center, Rehabilitation, Newborn Hearing Screening, Diabetes Treatment Center, Senior Health Center and community education.