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Photos Courtesy Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
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Photos Courtesy Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
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Photos Courtesy Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
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Photos Courtesy Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
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Photos Courtesy Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
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Photos Courtesy Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
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Photos Courtesy Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Santa babies have arrived! The NICU team at Teddy’s Place at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) is once again spreading holiday cheer to families of premature babies with the annual "Santa Visit," a heartwarming tradition that has touched countless families over the years.
Each holiday season, the NICU team partners with Santa Claus to bring a special touch of festive magic to the families of the tiniest patients. This year, families of NICU babies were invited to choose holiday outfits, with every baby dressed carefully by the team. Staff members then take photos of the babies, capturing their first Christmas. These joyful photos are shared with families and posted on Luminis Health's social media pages, which typically sees an outpouring of support and engagement from the community.
“Parents are always so thankful for this small gesture during such a stressful time,” said Kevin Cleaver, a NICU nurse at LHAAMC for 22 years, who has played Santa for the past few years. “It’s one less thing for them to worry about, and it brings some normalcy and joy during what can be a challenging time. Many families even bring siblings to join in the fun and get their photos taken with Santa, making it a true family moment.”
Thanks to the generosity of the community, this year’s event featured donated holiday onesies, gift boxes, books, and holiday blankets. Among the donors was a family whose child had previously been cared for in the NICU, offering a touching testament to the ongoing support from families who have been through similar journeys.
Paige Hawkins is currently through that journey. Her son has been in the NICU since October. “It means a lot to us because we can’t take him to Santa in the mall or do regular Christmas photos with his sister, so this was a very nice gesture,” said Hawkins.
She is hopeful her son will be released from the hospital this week, just in time for Christmas.
