They Took Her Baby And Now She Marches: Livingston Celebrates Preemies

LIVINGSTON, NJ — On Easter Sunday 2018, Irma N. gave birth to her daughter, Katheryn, at just 25 weeks gestation.

Irma was allowed to see and touch her baby briefly, but then, little Katheryn was whisked to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

After that, the pair were separated for 6 days before Irma could see her daughter again.

Babies born at 25 weeks have a 75 percent or higher risk of survival, statistics say, but they need the right care in order to thrive. While some have long-term health problems, intensive care helps dramatically. And survival rates are increasing.

Each year, more than 1,100 babies fight for their lives at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a hospital spokesperson said last week.

This past Sunday, more than 950 walkers — including Irma, Katheryn, and other families with former preemies — came out to Verona Park in Verona to show support at an annual fundraising event.

They participated in the 22nd annual Miracle Walk. Created by Hayley and Jonathan Hirschmann in gratitude for the care their daughter received during a three-month stay in the NICU, the Miracle Walk is led by parents and has raised over $6.9 million since 2000.

The funds have supported the purchase of advanced medical technology for the NICU and to support the care provided by staff.

This year’s celebration included a walk around Verona Lake and activities including arts & crafts, face painting, balloon art, and more.

How's The Baby?

And how is baby Katheryn doing?

"After three months and 11 days, Katheryn graduated from the NICU and joined her family at home," said a hospital spokesperson last week. "Today, Katheryn is a healthy 4-year-old and her family is eternally grateful to the CBMC NICU."

The Reitman family also attended the event. Back in January 2007, Brandon Reitman, now 15 years old, was born at 30 weeks gestation and spent several weeks in the CBMC NICU.

Two years later, his twin sisters, Addie and Sam, spent two weeks in the same NICU before coming home.

This year, at age 12, Addie and Sam celebrated their bat mitzvah and raised funds as part of their bat mitzvah project to benefit the CBMC NICU, a place that holds a special place the family’s hearts.

Read more about the NICU in Livingston, family stories, and survival rates here.