B-ROLL: NICU Families Celebrated Tiny Superheroes Sunday (Photo)

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (Sept. 24, 2023): Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center celebrated the return of its annual NICU Reunion event, "Heroes Unite," on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, outside the Labor & Delivery department. The heartwarming event was a celebration of strength, resilience, and the incredible journey of hundreds of families and tiny superheroes who received life-saving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this marked the first NICU Reunion since 2019, making it an extra special occasion for the entire community. Families, friends, and healthcare workers were eager to reconnect and celebrate the progress and growth of these remarkable NICU graduates.

This year's event had a superhero theme, and guests were encouraged to wear superhero costumes, capes, and masks, or simply come as they are. It's a symbolic nod to the strength displayed by these tiny fighters and the dedication of the healthcare heroes who cared for them.

NICU mom Kim Anderson, whose son, Hakan, was born prematurely at Sunnyside Medical Center in 2018, is a founding member of a new patient-partner mentor program that supports families navigating the NICU journey. "When Hakan was born prematurely, the NICU team at Sunnyside were there every step of the way to ensure his health and well-being. They inserted a feeding tube when needed and provided exceptional care during his 14-day stay. Today, as Hakan approaches his 5th birthday, he's a silly, funny, and kind boy who is excited about losing his first tooth. I'm also proud to be a part of the mentor program so I can help other families who may find themselves in a similar situation, so they don’t feel so alone during such a challenging time."

Downloadable B-Roll Footage and Interviews Available:
https://vimeo.com/867768422/d476f7dcc7?share=copy

• 00:00-04:29 Interview footage with NICU mom Kim Anderson, whose son, Hakan, was born prematurely at Sunnyside Medical Center in 2018
• 04:29-05:01 B-roll of Kim Anderson and her son showing their NICU photo
• 05:17-07:42 Interview footage with Jennifer Marsh, RN, NICU charge nurse
• 07:55-10:12 B-Roll and photos from the event, including children feeding the llama, petting the pony and art and educational activities.

Photos 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9mzrqr2Ki6nztUhi7

Visuals/Activities at the "Heroes Unite" NICU Reunion include:

• A visit from a therapy llama, where attendees can feed carrots.
• Miniature horses for kids to interact with.
• Clackamas County sheriff vehicles and deputies providing educational materials.
• A firetruck and fire department personnel offering safety information.
• A variety of fun and games for children and parents, including sidewalk chalk, car-seat safety demonstrations, bike safety tips, and other pediatric information.

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org