“Footprints on My Heart” event invites families to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate NICU journeys.
From Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital will host a special NICU Reunion to celebrate graduates of its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families, offering an opportunity to reconnect with caregivers and one another.
“Footprints on My Heart” will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 430 S. 7th Ave., West Reading.
The event will bring together families to share stories, create new memories, and connect with others who understand the unique NICU journey. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including face painting, hair tinsel, caricature drawings, and a special photo booth.
Food and refreshments will be provided. NICU graduates will also receive a commemorative T-shirt, with an opportunity to tie-dye it during the event.
“This is more than just a reunion. It’s a celebration of strength, resilience, and the incredible bond shared by NICU families,” said Melanie Jimenez, BSN, RN, NE-BC, RNC-NIC, Nursing Unit Director, Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), at Reading Hospital. “We want to honor how far our little warriors have come. Whether your child just came home or graduated years ago, we would love to see you there.”
Reading Hospital’s Level III NICU provides advanced, comprehensive care for the region’s most vulnerable newborns, ensuring families have access to specialized services close to home.
The drop-in event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit bit.ly/4jmN7NC or call Chelsea Breitenstein at the Reading Hospital Foundation at 484-628-1822.
NICU staff are also planning a photo slideshow to share during the event. Families are invited to submit photos of Reading Hospital NICU graduates by emailing NICUReunion@towerhealth.org.
“Come celebrate the footprints these tiny miracles have left on our hearts,” Jimenez said. “We can’t wait to see how much everyone has grown.”
