Dr. Prabhakar Kocherlakota (Dr. KP) shared a few laughs while coloring with some former patients at SLCH. “Caring for the tiniest of patients is a big job, our professional staff works together to provide compassionate care those patients and their families require. It is a pleasure to be here today and to see the children happy and healthy.”

Since its inception in 1997, the NICU has cared for more than 3,000 premature infants and term newborns with infections, birth defects, breathing difficulties, and growth restriction. The Level II Unit in Orange County with a transport service for critically ill babies born at hospitals without neonatal expertise is named for the late Elaine Kaplan, a local philanthropist who, along with her family, identified the need for enhanced health care for infants in this community.

Craig and Christine Wittenberg hold their daughter Julia as they celebrate and thank Dr. KP for saving their daughter’s life.

Eileen Osterby, Chair of the Auxiliary Board, expressed excitement in hosting the annual event. “It is our pleasure to celebrate with the children and parents whose lives have been touched by the dedicated care givers who create miracles every day. We’re delighted so many families return each year to reconnect and celebrate.”