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Former BWH Obstetrics patient Lily Hoo (at right), with husband Diego Martins and daughter Camille, supports the March of Dimes as part of the BWH Strollers team.
Former Obstetrics patient Lily Hoo’s reason for joining the BWH Strollers for this year’s March of Dimes walk was near and dear to her heart.
Hoo’s first child, Camille, was born at BWH last September, a month earlier than expected. Due to breathing problems, baby Camille spent her first week of life in the NICU.
“There aren’t words to explain the phenomenal care that Camille received in BWH’s NICU,” said Hoo, an executive assistant at a Boston investment management firm. “Our nurses, especially Jeanine Levantian, RN, and my midwife, Kathleen Reinecke, CNM, also took care of my husband and me during what was the hardest week of our lives. They stayed optimistic and taught us so much about caring for a newborn. I spent 10 hours a day at the NICU, watching babies receive the precious care they needed to thrive. It was awe-inspiring to say the least.”
As part of BWH’s March of Dimes March for Babies team, comprised of more than 115 walkers this year, Hoo raised more than $7,000 for the organization.
“We had a huge turnout of NICU staff, BWH staff from other departments and former NICU families,” said Paul Hughes, administrative director of Newborn Medicine. “Seeing all of the babies healthy and doing well, knowing that some of them had an incredibly difficult start in life, and seeing the love of their parents—that is the best part. It makes you feel so attached to our mission.”
Raising more than $52,000, the team exceeded its previous fundraising record of $38,000. Ten BWH Strollers members were named top individual walkers, and the team was the 2013 top corporate team in Massachusetts.
“After my experience, I wanted to give back by raising funds for other babies’ neonatal health care,” said Hoo. “We are eternally grateful.”
The BWH Strollers raised more than $52,000 for the March of Dimes this year.