Families Gather for Elliot Hospital NICU Reunion To Celebrate More Than 35 Years of Care

On Saturday, June 13, Elliot Health System welcomed more than 700 attendees representing over 200 families to its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion — an uplifting day filled with connection and celebration. 

Held at The Derryfield School in Manchester, the event brought together families whose children received life-saving care in the NICU at Elliot Hospital. This reunion offered a meaningful opportunity for families to reconnect with the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who supported them during some of the most critical moments of their lives. 

From the time guests arrived, the energy was joyful and heartfelt. Children who once spent days, weeks, or months in the NICU returned as thriving toddlers and kids — running, laughing, and playing alongside the very teams who cared for them as newborns. 

A Day of Fun, Connection, and Celebration 

Families enjoyed a full lineup of activities designed for all ages. Highlights included: 

• A Touch-a-Truck experience with the Manchester Fire Department, Manchester Police Department SWAT Bearcat, and AMR with the NICU Transporter 
• Sand art, bubbles, lawn games, and coloring stations 
• An interactive “Dunk-A-Doc" dunk tank 
• Music and entertainment throughout the day 
• Family Support Group resource table 
• Princess and superhero character visits 

The event created countless moments of reconnection, as families embraced the doctors and nurses who played such a significant role in their journeys. 

Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais also attended the reunion with his family, showing support for local families and recognizing the important role Elliot Hospital’s NICU plays in the community. 

Celebrating Resilience and Lasting Bonds 

For the NICU care team, the reunion is an opportunity to see the long-term impact of their unwavering support and expert clinical care. 

“Events like this are incredibly meaningful for both families and caregivers,” said Dr. Matthew Ryzewski, neonatologist at Elliot Hospital. “We have the privilege of caring for these babies at the very beginning of their lives, and to see them thriving months or years later is why we do what we do.” 

Families often describe the NICU experience as both challenging and transformative, forging deep connections with care teams who become part of their story. 

“The NICU journey can be overwhelming, but it also creates lasting connections,” said Dr. Malgorzata Bulanowski, neonatologist at Elliot Hospital. “This reunion is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the strong partnerships between families and our care teams.” 

A Regional Leader in Neonatal Care 

Elliot Hospital is home to the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Southern New Hampshire, providing highly specialized care for premature and critically ill infants, including those born as early as 22 weeks gestation. 
Recognized for delivering high-quality neonatal care, Elliot’s NICU serves more than 600 infants each year, supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts and advanced technology — all within a nurturing, family-centered environment. 

The NICU’s reach extends beyond the hospital walls through its specialized Transport Team, which helps ensure babies across the region have access to advance care when they need it most. This dedicated group of specialists, including advanced practice providers, neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, and emergency medical technicians, travel to referring hospitals to bring critically ill and premature infants to Elliot Hospital for advanced neonatal support. 

The NICU’s commitment to care also extends beyond a baby’s hospital stay. Through programs like the NICU Follow-Up Clinic, families continue to receive developmental, nutritional, and medical support during the critical early years of life — ensuring each child has the best possible start. 

Honoring a Legacy of Care and Community 

This reunion reflects Elliot Hospital’s ongoing commitment to care, where lifelong connections are formed between families and providers. 

As the day came to a close, one thing was clear: the bonds formed in the NICU extend far beyond the hospital's walls. They grow, evolve, and come full circle at events like this — where tiny beginnings are transformed into stories of strength, resilience, and hope.