The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Rush University Medical Center hosts an annual community outreach event — the Preemie Picnic and NICU Graduate Reunion — to celebrate the lives of its former pediatric patients and their families.

This event reunites the NICU's tiniest patients with their doctors, nurses, therapists and other NICU families and is an opportunity to remember each child's graduation from the Rush NICU.

Developmental and safety education is provided to families in support of Rush's commitment to community outreach. Refreshments, games, crafts, photos, live music and prizes are also part of this rewarding day. We invite you to experience the excitement and celebrate Rush's NICU miracles.

Stories and Testimonials

Twenty-two years ago, NICU nurse Cece Manlapaz cared for a baby born at 28 weeks gestation. Cece was her primary nurse during her first few months of life in our Rush NICU. Last year, the girl's mother called the NICU to reconnect with Cece, who invited the family to our Preemie Picnic. At the picnic, Cece gave the girl a picture of her, her care team and her family on her christening day in the NICU. Because Cece was so close to this family during their NICU stay, she had saved this picture for 22 years. Upon reuniting, a new friendship and instant bond was formed between them.

"It shows how much this hospital cares for its preemies/patients. It's great to invite us back."

"A chance to keep in touch with the doctors and nurses that took awesome care of our kids."

"It's important and healing for families. It's great that the team gets to see the work that they have done for the babies. Everyone knows everyone; it's like a reunion. The kids are growing up together."