Registration is underway for a fundraiser and heartwarming event bringing together families with a common bond. A 5k walk/run is open to the community and a reunion seeks to reunite children and families with physicians, nurses and staff of the Special Care Nursery at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Cannon Park in Carterville.
The Special Care Nursery, the only Level II Plus unit of its kind in the region, provides care for infants 30 weeks gestation or older or greater than 2.5 pounds and/or critically ill. It was established 46 years ago.
“We are the only unit that cares for babies less than 32 weeks of gestational age in Southern Illinois, the next closest is St. Louis,” said Dr. Pradeep Reddy, neonatology chief.
Dr. Reddy said the amount of time an infant spends in the unit ranges from a minimum of 24 hours to six weeks, depending on their condition and gestational age at which they were born.
The Special Care Nursery is different from a normal nursery, as most infants are kept in an incubator to regulate their temperatures until they are big enough to be in a crib.
“The Special Care Nursery is staffed with an outstanding team of physicians, neonatal nurse practitioners, nurses and other health care providers,” said Alyssa Hicks, nurse manager. “Infants may need assistance maintaining their own body temperatures, breathing on their own and growing big enough to go home. Some of the more common issues facing infants are those born prematurely or with jaundice, low blood sugars, low birth weight or temporary breathing problems.”
CLICK HERE: To register for the 5K Run/Walk.
CLICK HERE: To register for the Reunion.
A limited number of tee shirts are available for 5k walk/run participants. Beverages and refreshments available at both events. Attendees may register for one or both activities. Proceeds go towards Special Care Nursery equipment and upgrades.
For additional information, contact SIH Nurse Manager of Mother-Baby, Pediatrics and Special Care Nursery Alyssa Hicks at 618.457.5200 extension 65235.
Original source can be found here.
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