Local Students Donate to Good Sam's Neonatal ICU
Dec. 22, 2011
Two Mt. Notre Dame students recently made a donation to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at TriHealth’s Good Samaritan Hospital. As part of their senior project, the girls raised $1,800 for the NICU.
Senior Emma Beyer is choosing between studying nursing at Ball State University or Otterbein College next year and was motivated by her passion for pediatric nursing to help the families and siblings of infants in the NICU at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Working with fellow Mt. Notre Dame senior Alex Crumb, the girls organized a jewelry party with a percentage of the profits going towards the donation. They also raffled of a donated pearl necklace; Emma even donated some of her babysitting income.
The money will be used by the Family Advisory Council to improve the facilities, including buying books and toys that are provided for the siblings of infants in the NICU. The Family Advisory Council consists of parents of children of former NICU babies and tries to continuously improve the services and facilities provided to families based on their previous experiences.
The NICU at Good Samaritan Hospital treats premature or ill newborns in need of the most intense level of technology and care. The Family Advisory Council and hospital staff organize picnics, crafts classes, and parent socials for families of babies in the NICU.
During flu season, siblings are often not permitted in the NICU and spend time in a special lobby. The donated funds will help provide new books and refurbished toys for siblings. Other special events are planned through the year, including a visit from Santa during the holidays.
“This donation means more than new books and toys for the siblings of our NICU babies,” said Suzanne Mullins, nurse manager of the NICU. “This donation is a contribution towards improving the quality of the stay for NICU families and siblings. We are so grateful for Emma and Alex for their passion, dedication and willingness to help.”
See pictures from the donation at Facebook.com/TriHealth. If you are interested in donations to the Good Samaritan NICU, contact Jennifer Powell, Parent Coordinator for the Parent Network at 513-862-7760.