Valley Regional Medical Center welcomed former neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients and their families back to the hospital for its annual NICU Graduate Reunion on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The celebration recognized the progress of NICU graduates and gave families an opportunity to reconnect with the neonatologists, nurses and colleagues who cared for them during their hospital stay.
Families and graduates of all ages gathered to share stories, visit with caregivers and celebrate milestones. The morning included soft-play activities and time for families to connect with one another and with the care team that supported them through a critical chapter.
“The NICU reunion brought so much joy as we got to see the progress of our most tiny, critical babies,” said Dr. Gerardo Sanchez, neonatologist at Valley Regional Medical Center. “We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the milestones for each one of these beautiful children and for the chance to reconnect with families who trusted us with the care of their children.”
One of the graduates celebrated this year was Allison Uriegas, who was born at 26 weeks gestation weighing 2 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 41 centimeters long. Delivered by emergency C-section in April 2025, Allison was immediately admitted to the NICU with severely underdeveloped lungs and an uncertain prognosis.
From Allison’s first moments, physicians worked to support her fragile lungs. In the face of uncertainty, her family leaned on their faith. After baptizing Allison at the hospital, her condition began to change. Her lungs slowly started to open, her oxygen needs decreased and what once seemed impossible became real. Physicians later described her recovery as a miracle.
Allison spent 74 days in the NICU, reaching milestone after milestone — moving out of an isolated room, beginning skin-to-skin care, learning to bottle-feed and eventually breathing on her own. Each step forward brought renewed hope to her family.
Today, nearly one year later, Allison is thriving. She continues to develop at her own pace due to her prematurity. She eats well, is learning to crawl and is known for her sweet personality and bright smile.
Allison’s mother, Diana Uriegas, credits the NICU team for their compassion, vigilance and unwavering care throughout Allison’s most critical days. She offered special thanks to the many nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians who supported their family.
“Everybody was there for her whenever she needed it,” Uriegas said. “They focused so much on her — they’re angels.”
The NICU Graduate Reunion highlights the hospital’s continued commitment to supporting families beyond discharge and helping them stay connected to resources and a community that understands the challenges that can come with premature birth and complex medical needs.
“We were honored to spend this time with so many families that came together to celebrate the milestones of each NICU graduate,” said Joe Hernandez, CEO of Valley Regional Medical Center. “This reunion is a testament to the resiliency of our NICU graduates and the commitment of our neonatologists and colleagues who work determinedly to provide special care.”
Learn more about NICU services at Valley Regional Medical Center