MADERA, Calif. — Valley Children’s welcomed nearly 1,000 graduates and family members from its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to its annual NICU Picnic, celebrating the milestones of some of its tiniest former patients in Central California.
“It’s a day for all of our babies who’ve graduated from our NICU to come back, see our staff and show how great they’re doing,” said NICU Director Stacie Venkatesan. “I am proud of our teams who carry on this tradition and make this event possible each and every year.”
Families traveled from across the Central Valley — including Modesto, the Central Coast and Bakersfield — to reconnect with NICU staff and celebrate their children’s progress at the “homecoming”-themed event.
“I’m thankful every day for this hospital and the care we continue to receive from it,” said Megan Liang, whose daughter Kylie was cared for in the NICU. Both Megan and Kylie now volunteer at the hospital.
“I’m thankful that we get to come and help celebrate the battles these families have gone through together,” Kylie said.
The hospital’s south lawn was transformed into a mini sports arena, complete with a football field, soccer field, cornhole and giant Jenga.
Guests enjoyed classic game day fare, pom-poms, and commemorative “2025 NICU Homecoming” footballs. Many families got creative with hands-on activities, decorating crowns, pennants, jerseys and keepsakes.
The Minarets High School football team and cheerleaders joined the festivities, leading drills and stunts for children and families. Attendees also had the chance to explore American Ambulance’s “Baby Ambulance,” offering a glimpse into how many NICU graduates first arrived at Valley Children’s.
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A poignant moment came when the parents of Diane, a former NICU patient born at just 22 weeks and one day gestation, shared their story.
First held in 1979, the NICU Picnic has become a cherished tradition at Valley Children’s, honoring the resilience of NICU graduates and the dedication of the care teams who helped them thrive.
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