Broward Virtual School Ambassadors of Hope members and mentees recently participated in “A Day of Hope” at Plantation General Hospital to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Throughout the day, ambassadors created “no-sew quilts” that the hospital will use to protect premature infants from harmful elements such as light.
Pictured: Hannah Galvis, Shiloh McLennan, Mary Newman, Kira Boucas, Amari Heard, Sylvana Galvis, Kathyra Joseph, Nadiya Manning, Jessica Chiaraluce, Emma Burdick (not pictured) and C'era Marrero (not pictured).
“What makes this already worthy cause altogether more incredible, is the fact that some of the ambassadors were premature babies themselves making this experience for the students a full circle moment,” said Christopher Gates, Ambassadors of Hope founder.
The NICU provides care for sick and premature babies, and utilizes specialty infant beds designed for the safe monitoring and stable environment that high-risk infants require. “As a premature baby myself, it touches my heart to know that these babies will be receiving the quilts we created,” said Nadiya Manning, a ninth grade mentee.
Plantation General Hospital offers the most advanced neonatal intensive care services with specialized attention and around-the-clock care. The teams in the NICU include experts who place specialized IV lines and respond to high-risk newborn deliveries. All these measures ensure the highest level of care for the most fragile infants.
"The Plantation NICU team would like to thank these special teens for taking the time to care,” said Barbara Bzura, Director of Plantation General's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. These small babies and their families are very vulnerable during this time and the quilts not only provide protection from light and other environmental stimuli, but become a special keepsake for the families. The Ambassadors of Hope members are a true testimonial of what giving back to the community is all about."
To learn more about the Ambassadors of Hope, contact Christopher Gates at 754-321-6050.
