St. Charles Bend is set to host a heartwarming reunion for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) families and caregivers on Saturday, June 13, 2025. This special event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Charles Bend, offering a chance for families to reconnect and celebrate the progress of their children who once received care in the NICU.

Celebrating Family Milestones

The NICU reunion is a free, family-friendly event featuring a variety of activities designed to bring joy to attendees, including games, crafts, face painting, a bouncy house, and snacks. In the spirit of fun, attendees are encouraged to wear superhero costumes, symbolizing the incredible strength and resilience of the children and their families.

Erin Hocker, the nurse manager for the NICU at St. Charles, emphasized the significance of the gathering. “Our NICU reunion is a special event for families and caregivers alike as we celebrate the amazing progress these families have made. It’s such a joy to see the infants we once cared for playing with families and thriving. Join us as we reconnect, celebrate milestones, and honor the incredible strength of our NICU families,” Hocker said.

Community Support and Participation

The event is made possible by the generous contributions of donors to the St. Charles Foundation, highlighting the community’s support for families who have faced challenging beginnings. The reunion will be held in Conference Rooms A-D at St. Charles Bend, with guests entering through the main lobby.

Families planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP on the St. Charles website at stcharleshealthcare.org/nicureunion, ensuring a well-organized and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.