WESTON, Wis. (WSAW) – For the first time in five years, Aspirus Health Care hosted an in-person NICU reunion at Greenheck Field House to recognize the children and families who have benefited from the hospital’s specialized services.

The event with obstacle courses and bouncy castles was an important milestone for many families.

It was a moving moment for Haley Breidel and her husband. Their eldest daughter, now almost two years old, was born almost two months prematurely.

“I don’t think anyone plans to stay in the NICU with their baby, and we were there with her for almost two weeks,” Breidel said.

Although the activities were fun, Breidel emphasized the deeper meaning of the reunion.

“Being able to be here with others and seeing that they know this struggle – we are very grateful to be here,” she said.

For Breidel, a great incentive of the event was also the re-establishment of contact with the medical staff who had supported her family, and this feeling is based on mutual understanding among the Aspirus employees.

Dr. Haresh Modi, neonatal doctor at Aspirus, emphasized the importance of the event from a medical perspective.

“It is a kind of reward for us to see these babies recovering after a very difficult course of illness,” said Dr Modi. “This event is a real joy to see all these babies out of their beds and off the ventilators, playing, breathing and having fun.”

For Breidel, it was a profound experience to see other children who had overcome similar challenges to her daughter.

“It’s such a joy to see all the other miracle babies running around,” she said.

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