LINCOLN, Neb. – The Bryan Foundation is on a mission to raise $15 million for a vital expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Bryan Health. This expansion aims to accommodate more of the tiniest patients who need special care.
The demand for NICU services is increasing. In 2025, over 100 babies had to be moved to different areas because the current NICU, which has 23 beds, was full. The proposed plan would add 18 to 20 new beds, according to the foundation’s executive director.
As of now, around $6 million has been raised, with community support evident during events like Give to Lincoln Day.
For families like Samonni Austin’s, the NICU embodies a mix of hope and heartache. After losing a child there, Samonni is now navigating her son Silo’s care. Silo had to have two chest tubes placed to relieve pressure in his chest. Samonni appreciates the community support for the NICU expansion, saying, “It shows that people care, and these babies are stronger than they seem.”
Sydney and Hayden Florom share a similar story. Their son Knox spent 20 days in the NICU, struggling to maintain his oxygen levels. Sydney recalls how hospital staff provided comfort not just through medical assistance but by simply being there during the emotional moments. “A nurse sat with me as I cried, and that made a world of difference,” she said.
Families who have benefited from the NICU are hopeful the community will continue supporting this crucial expansion. “They touch more lives than you think,” Sydney added. “They deserve all the space and care possible.”
Both mothers feel a deep connection to the staff. Sydney reflected, “I don’t think I could have gotten through this without them.” Samonni echoed this sentiment, sharing how NICU staff even attended her late son’s funeral to show compassion during her darkest times.
If the fundraising goal is met, construction for the NICU expansion may begin soon. More information on donating can be found on the Bryan Foundation’s website.
In the context of neonatal care, a report from the CDC indicates that nearly 1 in 10 babies is born preterm, leading to the need for specialized care. This underscores the importance of expanding facilities like the NICU, not just for current needs but for future demands as well.
Supporting hospital initiatives not only aids individual families but also strengthens community health as a whole.
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