Northside Co-Hosts November Fundraiser for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Northside Hospital, in collaboration with the Miracle Babies Organization, will host its second annual "Miracle Babies at Northside Hospital" fundraising event on Friday, Nov. 1, fromm 6-9 p.m., at Villa Christina. The event raises financial assistance and support for families with newborns in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  More than $40,000 was raised at this event in 2012.

As the leader in maternity services, Northside Hospital delivers more babies than any other single hospital in the country, a statement said. In the hospital’s Level III NICU, as many as 100 premature and special-needs babies are cared for at one time, with more than 2,000 annually. Many families spend days, weeks or even months in the unit and are not able to handle extra needs and expenses not covered by insurance. Unplanned time-off from work and increased travel to and from the hospital are a new reality for them. Out-of-town families may need lodging and basic living supplies. 

Patterned after the San Diego non-profit organization Miracle Babies, the mission of Miracle Babies at Northside Hospital is to provide this crucial support to these families.

"We continue to receive more and more referrals for patients, from throughout Georgia and the southeast, who are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and, subsequently, will require the services of the NICU," said Larry Matsumoto, M.D., maternal-fetal medicine, Northside’s Center for Perinatal Medicine and Atlanta Perinatal Consultants, who is co-hosting the Nov. 1 event.

"While our NICU accepts donations for gas cards, phone cards, transportation, preemie clothing and other baby supplies, we cannot come close to meeting the immense needs of these families," said Melissa Sisson, director of women’s services, Northside Hospital.  "All funds raised from this event will go exclusively to the Miracle Babies at Northside Hospital Fund to support the unique medical and emotional needs of infants and families right here in our metro Atlanta hospitals."

The event on Nov. 1 will include live music, a silent auction, fine art by local artists, and a unique tasting event featuring decadent chocolates, artisan wines, scotch and delectable hors d-oeuvres. San Diego Miracle Babies Founder Dr. Sean Daneshmand will be among the special guests in attendance.

The cost to attend is $35 per guest.  Business or cocktail dress is requested.  For more information or to RSVP, please contact Patricia Daniel in the Northside Hospital Foundation at 404-851-6285 orpatricia.daniel@northside.com.

Information provided by Northside Hospital