Former NICU patients and medical staff reunited at Driscoll Children’s Hospital to celebrate life, resilience, and the life-saving care that brought them together.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Former NICU patients and their families returned to Driscoll Children’s Hospital Saturday for a special reunion, celebrating the care that helped give them a strong start.  

It’s a journey that began far earlier than expected for many. 

“Riley was born at 22 weeks, so he needed life saving measures,” Caitlin said. 

Caitlin and Chad Carufel’s son, Riley entered the world fighting to survive on September 9, 2024.

Their lives revolved around the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where his tiny body continued to grow stronger.

“So we were at Driscoll Hospital for 3 months, where they were absolutely wonderful. It’s because of the people here, the medical world here, that he was able to come home and be with us,” Caitlin said. 

Exactly one year ago today, Riley was officially discharged from the NICU. From 1 pound to 19 pounds, Caitlin said he’s a healthy boy.

None of it would have been possible without dedicated nurses and doctors like Dr. Chong.

“There’s no words that I could say that could measure up to what they did for our family, so they are part of the miracles that are needed for these babies to come home. So what they do is very important,” said Caitlin.

Dr. Chong said the NICU cares for around 500 to 600 babies every year.

“I can say is for every baby that steps into our NICU, our whole team gives more than 100% to try our very best, not just to heal them but to also try and give them the best quality of life and if not, at least help this family through a very difficult part if these babies are too sick and they’re not able to survive,” Dr. Chong said. 

Another parent grateful for the NICU team is nurse Larissa Gonzalez, her son Caleb was born premature at just 32 weeks.

“Everybody was so crucial to his care. It was honestly like the experience wasn’t what we wanted, of course, having to be in the NICU, but with the staff that we encountered, everybody was fantastic, and I mean it definitely saved him and saved his life for sure,” Larissa said.

The experience in the NICU left a lasting impact on Larissa, both as a nurse and a mom.

“Once I had him, I went back to work and I just, I couldn’t. I had a desire. My heart was just telling me to go back to the NICU. So that’s where I am now,” Larissa said. 

Dr. Chong said at the end of the day, it’s all about giving families a second chance with their baby.

“So it’s always wonderful to have these families come back because they form such special relationships with everybody in the NICU and it’s so heartwarming to see how these babies have grown throughout the years,” Dr. Chong said. 

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