Former NICU children reunite with caregivers

AUSTIN (KXAN) - At St. David's Medical Center, 300 parents and their children came from across Texas on Sunday to reunite with the nurses and doctors who cared for those children at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The NICU often gives life-saving care, bonding the caregivers and families.

While the parents were giving thanks to the nurses and doctors, the kids were having a party. Face painting, pumpkin painting, games, food and music all entertained little ones.

"The families that were in NICU become family with the nurses and doctors that took care of their babies," said NICU physician Dr. Rhonda Sageser. "t's definitely a great celebration and opportunity to see how well these babies have done and to appreciate what we do here every day."

Some of these folks develop life-long relationships. Emanuele and Mara Minardi  drove up from Galveston with their twin sons. Both boys were treated at NICU, after doctors on the Gulf Coast didn't think Luciano would make it.

"They actually called my wife after having the baby to come say goodbye to him," said Emanuele Minardi, the twins' father. "But he was a fighter, and they flew him here by plane, because of Hurricane Ike, and this wonderful hospital kept him alive."

Enzo Minardi was treated for more than a month at the care unit. Luciano Mindardi was there seven months, undergoing multiple surgeries. It's something their parents will never forget.

"They made us feel like family, and it was like home," the twins' mother, Mara Minardi, said. "This is wonderful what they do for the NICU and I just wish the best for them."