WHO and WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016
Centerpoint Medical Center Level III NICU/9 a.m. -10 a.m.
Research Medical Center Level III NICU/11 a.m. – Noon
Overland Park Regional Medical Center Level III NICU/1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Menorah Medical Center NICU/4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
WHAT: Santa’s Annual HCA Midwest Health NICU Visit
WHERE:
Centerpoint Medical Center, 19600 E. 39th St., Independence, Mo. 64057
Research Medical Center, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64132
Overland Park Regional Medical Center, 10500 Quivira Road, Overland Park, Kan. 66215
Menorah Medical Center, 5721 W. 119th St., Overland Park, Kan. 66209
PLEASE GO TO FRONT LOBBY OF EACH HOSPITAL FOR ESCORT TO INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
WHY: Santa will spread holiday cheer at four HCA Midwest Health NICUs—the largest network of NICUs in the region. Dr. Rob Holcomb, M.D., Neonatologist will reprise his role of Jolly Old St. Nick and collaborate with nationally acclaimed photographer Jessica Strom, who was featured on the Today show for her work with NICU babies. Santa and his elves will bring the spirit of the season to families with critically ill infants in the NICU. Miniature Santa hats will be distributed to each preemie as Strom captures priceless photographic family mementoes.
“The holidays are one of the most poignant times for families to have babies in the NICU,” says Dr. Kathleen Weatherstone, Neonatologist and Medical Director of the Overland Park Regional Medical Center NICU. “HCA Midwest Health’s NICUs and our physicians and nurses take the tiniest and sickest of these babies and nurture and nourish them, and part of that mission is to minister to the families, creating positive, lasting memories for them, especially during the holidays. Santa’s visit is one way to give hope to families going through this difficult journey, and give them something they wouldn’t otherwise have experienced: their babies’ first visit and photo with Santa.”
All four hospitals are part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s leading healthcare and largest neonatal care provider in the region.