GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Sept. 1, 2026) – On Tuesday, September 1, Trinity Health Grand Rapids hosted its annual Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, bringing together approximately 135 NICU “graduates,” their families, and the dedicated staff who cared for them.
This year’s theme, “Our Little Sprouts Are Growing Strong”, celebrated the incredible growth of the children who began life in the NICU, many born prematurely or with serious medical conditions. The evening featured hands-on activities, vibrant museum exhibits, and emotional reunions between families and NICU caregivers.
“Seeing these babies struggle and fight from the moment they are born is incredibly difficult – but it all becomes worth it when we see them come back here, full of energy and happiness. Watching them go from tiny fighters to thriving kids, and the joy they bring their families, is the most rewarding part of our work,” said Michaela Behrens, RN, Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU nurse and NICU Reunion co-coordinator.
Hosted annually by Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU staff, the event honors the resilience of NICU families and the compassionate care provided by the hospital’s neonatal team.
“As much as our staff impacts these patients and their families – the indelible mark they leave on us is just as powerful,” said Sarah Polkowski, RN, Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU nurse and NICU Reunion co-coordinator. “We are proud to support them long after they leave the NICU and this reunion is just one of the ways we reflect our commitment to life-saving care and long-term support.”
The NICU treats 200 to 300 infants annually, delivering critical care that has made a lasting difference for families like those of Kelsey West.
Kelsey’s journey through the NICU began unexpectedly when her daughter Everly was born prematurely during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years later, she returned with her son Henrik, facing a longer and more complex NICU stay. Through both experiences, the compassionate care of the NICU staff provided emotional support and a sense of normalcy during deeply challenging times. Today, both children are thriving, and the West family remains grateful for the care and connection that made them feel seen and supported.
“During that time, the NICU staff were the people I leaned on for support every single day,” said West. “They knew if I was having a hard day or if I need a little bit of extra attention, so it was just really special to have them in my corner and that relationship has only continued to grow over the years.”
Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU Facts:
- The hospital’s licensed 15-bed, Level III NICU cares for 200 to 300 newborns each year.
- Premature birth is the most common reason for NICU admission, along with conditions such as infection, respiratory distress, and low blood sugar.
- The NICU has successfully cared for babies born as early as 22 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces.
- Trinity Health operates a NICU Transport Unit—a fully equipped specialty ambulance that safely transfers newborns from regional hospitals to its NICU.
For more information about NICU and special care nursery services, visit NICU and Special Care Nurseries.
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