In honor of National Prematurity Awareness Month, Broward Health Medical Center recently welcomed back 14 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates and their families for an emotional reunion with the medical team who cared for them during their earliest—and most fragile—moments. The gathering brought together neonatologists, nurses, and lactation specialists who once stood at the bedside of these infants, some born weighing as little as one pound at just 23 weeks.
“Some of these babies were born weighing just one pound at 23 weeks, barely halfway through pregnancy, and now they are strong and thriving,” said Dr. Johnny Tryzmel, medical director of the NICU at Broward Health Medical Center. “It’s an emotional day for all of us. These reunions remind us that all the intervention and care truly matter. Most importantly, we become a family.”
Attendees included NICU graduates of all ages—from teenagers seeing the Level III NICU for the first time in years to infants who were discharged only months earlier. Among the families was NICU mother Jenyffer Feliz, who shared the story of her twin daughters, born at 25 weeks in 2015.
“This journey has helped us discover the precious value of life,” she said. “They were just 1 pound each, but with the amazing team of nurses and doctors, along with our faith and family support, we got through it. Now, 10 years later, they’re healthy and thriving.”
Presented by March of Dimes, the reunion featured a special hands-on art activity where families added their handprints to a piece that will hang in the NICU family lounge—a colorful symbol of hope and resilience for current patients and their loved ones.
More than a reunion, the event fostered community and connection, encouraging families to support one another. Broward Health continues its partnership with the March of Dimes NICU Family Support® program, offering vital education and ongoing care for families navigating the NICU journey.
