Quick Search

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- On May 6, more than 500 grateful guests attended the 24th Annual Presbyterian Hemby Intensive Care Nursery picnic. There were many guests of honor; all of whom were Hemby ICN graduates from years past. Even patients from as far back as 16 years ago still came to celebrate life and express their thanks.

This year's guests were entertained by games, face painting, arts and crafts, pet therapy dogs, balloon artists and delicious treats. The Chick-Fil-A cow visited with families, and Dr. Gill Getwell, Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital's new mascot, played it cool in the pediatric critical care transport truck. "I look forward to this event every year," said Lynn Helderman, assistant nurse manager for Hemby ICN. "It is so rewarding to see these children, who were once fragile newborns, running around and doing what kids do best- having fun."

Presbyterian's ICN, a level IV unit, cares for the most critically-ill and premature babies. Many sets of twins, triplets and quadruplets received a special start at life in the Hemby ICN. Each spring - for more than two decades - former patients and their families have been invited back to Presbyterian for a reunion and family fun day.