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In This Issue:
Engineering's Charles Eschback, Manuel Perry and Roy Ramkissoon designed, made and donated a new "Sky Board" to the NICU.
Every year, the BWH Connors Center for Women and Newborns' Bereavement Committee hosts a Service of Remembrance to celebrate the lives of babies who have passed away at BWH over the years. From Food Services, Chaplaincy and A/V to Parking and Security, Volunteer Services and others, the NICU receives an outpouring of support for the special event, which uplifts and connects families that have experienced perinatal loss.
During a highlight of the service, each family receives a hand-sized gold star on which they can write their child's name, along with a message. Families then place the stars on a blue felt board depicting the night sky during the ceremony.
At this year's 10th annual service, held Oct. 27 in the Cabot Atrium, BWH Engineering decided to make a special contribution. The department designed, made and donated a permanent "Sky Board," to replace past years' tri-fold boards, which were growing too small for the service. More than 150 families attended this year's event.
"This act of kindness and generosity was above and beyond what we could have imagined," said NICU Assistant Nursing Director Julianne Mazzawi, RN, MS. "Our families loved it and thought it was the greatest thing. It's something we can now use year after year." The Friends of BWH also provided a generous gift to the NICU for this year's service.
Carpenter Roy Ramkissoon, who made the board, said he was happy to do it. He and Manuel Perry came up with the idea after learning of the need, and carpentry supervisor Charles "Biffer" Eschback fully supported it.
"We try to help, in any way that we can, to make others' lives a little easier," said Eschback. "Most of us have kids of our own, so we have a soft spot when it comes to children. It was an easy decision to design and make this for the NICU."
Added Mazzawi: "A week before the service, the board appeared outside of my door. It was perfect. It was such a gift."