Overland Park Regional Medical Center's annual NICU reunion reunites patients and caregivers

Overland Park, Kan. — For some, it’s been a year or less; for others, nearly two decades since their NICU experience. Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s annual reunion provided former patients and their families with the opportunity to reconnect with the caregivers who once became an extended family in the NICU.

Not every family leaves the hospital shortly after a child’s birth. For those whose babies require specialized care in the NICU, the journey can last weeks or even months – and often begins with a ride in the Neonatal ICU ambulance or fixed-wing critical care helicopter urgently transporting a mother and/or newborn to Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s NICU. Both services are a part of HCA Midwest Health’s Neonatal and Maternal Transport Teams. There, families find highly specialized physicians, hope and strength — and experience the compassion and dedication of expert caregivers.

“This NICU reunion is a celebration of life, and many families travel miles just to say, ‘thank you,’” said Thomas Lancaster, MD, Overland Park Regional Medical Center NICU Medical Director and Neonatologist. “It’s an honor to be part of these children’s lives, to watch them grow, and to witness the joyous and often emotional reunions among NICU grads, their families and our team. We know their NICU stay was difficult, and creating a joyful experience together helps them form new, positive memories.”

“Our NICU Reunion is an incredibly meaningful event for our hospital,” said Overland Park Regional Medical Center CEO Matt Sogard. “As Johnson County’s most advanced and busiest NICU, we care for some of the most fragile newborns — each one leaving a unique, lasting impact on our teams. To see a child who could once fit in the palm of a hand now standing shoulder to shoulder with their parents is a testament to the resilience of these kids and the dedication of our care teams.”

The Foster family: a mother’s intuition and survival

Stone Foster was born more than 10 weeks early, weighing just 3 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 15 inches long. On top of a traumatic delivery, during which both Stone’s and his mother’s lives were at risk, he was diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a type of brain injury common in very premature infants that can cause severe developmental challenges. His birth on March 7, 2020, came just one week before the COVID-19 pandemic began disrupting life nationwide, adding yet another layer of uncertainty and fear.

“I had a fairly normal pregnancy, but one Friday evening before attending our daughter’s school fundraiser, I realized I hadn’t felt the baby move all day,” said Sarah Foster, Stone’s mother. “Friends reassured me everything was fine, even suggesting I drink a Coca-Cola to wake him up. But when that didn’t work, my mother’s intuition told me something was wrong.”

Sarah called her obstetrician, Kari Farris, DO, early the next morning. “Fortunately, Dr. Farris insisted on meeting me at the hospital immediately,” Sarah recalled. “I quietly left home while my husband, Tony, and our daughters, Sloane and Scout, were still asleep, thinking I’d be back soon.”

Initial testing showed a faint heartbeat, and Sarah called Tony to let him know all seemed well. Moments later, everything changed. Dr. Farris and the team rushed Sarah into an emergency C-section after discovering her placenta was detaching from her uterus – a life-threatening condition known as placental abruption that requires immediate intervention, and her husband raced to the hospital.

Strength: tiny human, huge impact

Although Sarah’s background as a NICU social worker gave her some comfort, living the experience firsthand was overwhelming. “You’re suddenly thrust into a world of monitors, tubes and constant beeping,” she said. “Seeing my tiny, high-risk son placed on my husband’s chest for the first time for ‘Kangaroo Care’ — skin-to-skin contact — was both awe-inspiring and comforting.”

More than 20 specialists and caregivers were involved in Stone’s care, leaving a lasting impression and making a huge impact on the Foster family. “I honestly never thought I would become a NICU mom,” said Sarah. “Our nurses, Jill and Paige, communicated in ways we could understand, were endlessly compassionate, and went above and beyond. One even created beautiful artwork for Stone’s room — a light in those dark days.”

Today, Stone is thriving. “We are so grateful he’s met all major milestones and shows no long-term effects from his condition,” Sarah said. “Our NICU experience is now part of our family’s story – one of hope, perseverance, and the incredible bond between parents, children and caregivers. I look forward to returning to work as a NICU social worker one day, with deeper empathy and understanding for the families I serve.”