The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, can be one of the scariest places in the hospital, but it is also a beacon of hope; a place where life’s most precious and vulnerable new humans spend time when they need a little extra love because they arrived early or because of sickness or disease.
Whatever the reason, the NICU is a place that delivers special care. When a baby graduates from the NICU and can go home, there is a tremendous sense of accomplishment and love, but it also brings a bit of sadness, as nurses and healthcare workers in the unit spend an exceptional amount of time with the babies and their families. That’s why the NICU reunion and graduation are so significant, not just for the kids (and adults) who are now thriving but for the countless people who made their recovery and growth possible.
Every year since the 80’s Cape Fear Valley NICU has been hosting a reunion.
“This gathering is not just a celebration of milestones but also an opportunity for families to reconnect and share their stories of resilience and hope. We believe that every child who has gone through our NICU is a testament to the strength of our community and the exceptional care provided by our dedicated staff. We are also proud to acknowledge the invaluable support of the Friends of Children Foundation.
"Their ongoing commitment to our NICU has played a vital role in enhancing the care and resources available to our little ones and their families. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of these children and ensure they receive the love and support they deserve as they grow,” a CFV NICU spokesperson said.
Every year, a team of hard-working nurses and some incredible “cuddler” volunteers pull up their sleeves and ensure the reunion is a success. Marcia Garrett, a long-time “cuddler” has made it her mission to get the word out about the great volunteer opportunities at the NICU, like being a cuddler and making sure the reunion goes off without a hitch.
“I became a cuddler after realizing that someone I love very much would have thrived with a cuddler program when she was born. As cuddlers, we spend time holding the tiniest of patients and providing them with a loving physical touch so they can thrive. We are there to support our amazing NICU nurses and meet any needs that we can as part of the support team,” Garrett said.
Each year, the reunion has a theme. This year was no different, with the theme, “Our NICU Babies Are Out of This World,” taking guests on an interplanetary experience. The reunion offers staff and former patients time to reconnect, catch up, and celebrate all of the wonderful accomplishments and milestones that have passed since they last saw each other. It doesn’t matter how old a former NICU baby gets, they are always welcome to come back and visit the place that helped save their life.
The NICU at Cape Fear Valley takes pride in the care they offer, from the dedicated doctors to the nurses to the volunteers. Offering 24-hour care, with highly trained and experienced neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, and Neonatologists, the NICU is prepared to handle the call, when they receive it.
For more information on how to become a volunteer, visit the website at https://www.capefearvalley.com/volunteers/volunteer.html.

(Photo: Declan Nault is thriving at 21 months old. He adores his 6-month-old baby brother Archer, who was also in the NICU. Photo courtesy of Daphne and Adam Nault)