Patients, Families and Staff Celebrate 16th Anniversary of NICU

Newburgh, NY - St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital's (SLCH) Auxiliary hosted the 16th Annual Elaine Kaplan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Birthday Party at Ice Time Sports Complex in Newburgh on Saturday, July 20, 2013. Nearly 275 guests attended including former patients, their families and staff members. Children enjoyed various activities such as an exotic animal show, ambulance tours, a make your own cupcake station, Zumba for kids and face painting as parents spoke about their positive SLCH NICU experiences.

Dr. Prabhakar Kocherlakota (Dr. KP) spent time catching up with some of his former patients.

"Our staff is dedicated to ensuring the best quality healthcare for our patients and families. It is always a joy to see the patients today active, happy and healthy."

Since its inception in 1997, the NICU has cared for premature infants and term newborns with infections, birth defects, breathing difficulties, and growth restriction. Named for the late Elaine Kaplan, a local philanthropist who, along with her family, identified the need for enhanced health care for infants in this community, the Level II Unit in Orange County provides a transport service for critically ill babies born at hospitals without neonatal expertise.

"It is always a heartwarming event to be a part of," said Jill Cappa, Chair of the NICU Committee. "The committee and I always enjoy seeing these children and their families grow up happy and healthy."

Donations for the celebration came from businesses including Ice Time Sports Complex, Hannaford Supermarket, Price Chopper, Adams Fairacre Farms, Rockland Bakery, Herrs Snack, Durants Party Rentals, Anthony's Deli, Orange Pediatrics, Stewarts Shops,  Pioneer Water and NEOPS.

Thrilled at the idea of taking part in an event for the NICU, this year's celebration featured the addition of table sponsors. Sportsplex, Butterhill Day School, George M. Carroll Bus Company, Ice Time Sports Complex, SLC Auxiliary, Step by Step Dance School, United Healthcare and NEOPS are the 2013 sponsors.

St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) is a not-for-profit community hospital with campuses in Newburgh and Cornwall, NY. The hospital is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the Hudson Valley and aspires to excellence in the delivery of compassionate and comprehensive health care services. SLCH offers comprehensive cardiac, stroke, cancer, orthopedic services and a full range of other clinical offerings.