“Where Are They Now?” portraits unveiling of former patients

Valley Health recently hosted a heartwarming ceremony in the Winchester Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) family lounge to unveil new “Where Are They Now?” portraits of former patients. These images will serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for current families frequenting the lounge, offering them a glimpse of the bright futures that await their little ones.

The ceremony was attended by Valley Health leadership from the Women & Children’s service line, Valley Health Foundation, dedicated members of the NICU team, and Sherae Hunter, the talented local photographer behind this project. Those in attendance took turns unwrapping these beautiful photos, revealing the NICU “graduates” along with their names and gestational ages at birth. This marks the second installation of photos from Sherae Hunter, bringing the total to 16 portraits displayed in and around the NICU.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Winchester Medical Center is the region’s only Level III NICU, equipped to care for premature babies of any gestational age or those requiring specialized treatment. Located on the 2nd floor of the North Tower on the WMC campus, this state-of-the-art facility is one of the few in the tri-state area to offer private patient rooms. The NICU features 21 single rooms, 3 twin rooms, and 1 triplet room, providing a total of 30 beds. These private rooms allow families to bond and heal in a more intimate and comforting environment.

The unveiling ceremony not only celebrated the resilience and progress of the featured NICU graduates, but also highlighted the unit’s unwavering commitment to patients and their families during their stay and for years to come. The NICU team often looks forward to seeing the growing graduates and their families every year during a NICU Reunion. This year’s event will be held at West Oaks Farm Market on Sunday, October 27, from 1-4 PM.

For those currently facing a NICU stay, portraits like these provide immense comfort, reminding us that even the smallest beginnings lead to rewarding futures.

This project was generously funded by the Winchester Medical Center Foundation.