Edinburg, Texas: After a four-year hiatus, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at DHR Health Women’s Hospital will be bringing back its Annual NICU Reunion. The event brings together families, doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff to celebrate the journeys and milestones of premature infants cared for at DHR Health’s NICU. The fun-filled family event is set for Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the DHR Health Bariatric and Metabolic Institute Parking Lot, located at 5500 Raphael Drive in Edinburg. All families whose children received care in the NICU at DHR Health are invited to attend. Helping to host this event, in conjunction DHR Health, is Driscoll Health Plan and Driscoll Children’s Hospital, and the Pena Eye Institute with Dr. Raul “Raulito” Pena.
“The NICU reunion is an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate the journeys of our little fighters who continue to inspire us,” said Marissa Castañeda, Senior Executive Vice-President at DHR Health. “We also join in gratitude to thank the dedicated healthcare professionals who gave our families hope in the face of adversity.”
The NICU at DHR Health Women’s Hospital in Edinburg was created for the most medically fragile newborns requiring subspecialized treatment. The NICU is a Level III ICU designed to assist with a baby’s healthcare treatment and development using the latest specialized technology for infants. With 63 beds, the unit cares for over 1,200 babies each year.
There are three Neonatologists of South Texas currently work with the NICU at DHR Health Women’s Hospital, they are Dr. Dynio Honrubia, Dr. Emil Milano, and Dr. Jyothi Swarup. These specialists diagnose and treat medical conditions in newborns, coordinate the medical care and management of premature and critically ill infants, and provide care to newborns during complicated deliveries. They have the training to treat even the smallest and most premature infants.
“We understand that many parents feel anxious when their baby is first admitted to the NICU. It may feel unsettling or even scary. But rest assured, we do our best to provide emotional support for the family while taking care of the infant’s medical needs,” said Dr. Honrubia. “We encourage family to visit as often as possible, as well as to hold, touch, talk to, and care for the baby as their condition allows.” Dr. Honrubia also noted that the NICU at DHR Health Women’s Hospital continues to serve as a referral center for the Rio Grande Valley region, with many families driving as far as 45 minutes to seek medical treatment for their children.
Ricardo and Denise Portillo are one family who can attest to the outstanding medical care provided by the NICU at DHR Health Women’s Hospital. Their daughter was born at just 24 weeks old and spent over 90 days in the NICU. Today, Sophie Belle Portillo, is a vibrant nine year old.
“It was the best experience in the world but I would never wish it on anyone but we are so thankful to have been at the NICU at DHR Health,” said Mrs. Portillo, Sophie Belle’s mom. “The doctors, nurses, and staff took such good care of our daughter.”
At the NICU Reunion on Saturday, family and their children will get to meet with the physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff who helped them during their most critical time. There will also be lots of fun and games for the children.
For more information about the NICU Reunion at DHR Health, please contact (956) 362-5880.