Cardon Children's hosts reunion for neonatal patients, families

MESA, Ariz. (Sept. 17, 2009) – More than 600 former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients and families are expected to return to Cardon Children’s Medical Center for a reunion with doctors, nurses and old friends.

The NICU reunion will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m., in front of the new home for Cardon Children’s Medical Center. Activities will include arts and crafts, games, clowns, a petting zoo, horse and buggy rides, refreshments and special tours of the new facility. The NICU unit is slated to expand with the development of the seven-story tower currently under construction.

“The goal in the NICU at Cardon Children’s is to care for not only the baby, but the entire family,” said Glenn Waterkotte, MD, medical director for the NICU. Dr. Waterkotte has cared for babies in the NICU for 23 years. “I am so looking forward to reconnecting with these very special patients and families.”

Patients and families are very excited about the expansion of the NICU into the new home for Cardon Children’s Medical Center, opening Nov. 2, said Julie Sherman, chairwoman of the NICU Parent Advisory Board.

“These special patients deserve the most modern, state-of-the-art services and equipment, and the new facility at Cardon Children’s Medical Center will only enhance the great care already offered there,” Sherman said. Cardon Children’s NICU is the largest and most comprehensive unit in the East Valley and one of the largest in Arizona.

Families who have not received their invitations to this event can get more information by calling (602) 230-CARE (2273).

ABOUT CARDON CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER
Located in the fast-growing East Valley of metro Phoenix, Cardon Children’s Medical Center provides comprehensive pediatric care addressing a broad spectrum of children’s health needs. The Banner Health owned and operated facility will expand to 248 beds when patients and staff move into a new state-of-the-art facility on November 2. For more information on Cardon Children’s Medical Center, visit www.BannerHealth.com/CardonChildrens.

-30-