Our Little NICU Stars All Grown Up
We are excited to share with you the inspiring stories of dedicated and passionate nurses and nursing students whose commitment to patient care is made possible by generous donations to El Camino Health Foundation in support of nursing scholarships and the El Camino Hospital Auxiliary.
Our Little NICU Stars All Grown Up
Families and staff came together at our Mountain View campus for the annual El Camino Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion, celebrating the incredible journeys of babies who once required intensive care. Almost 200 NICU graduates and family members returned to the hospital to reconnect with the doctors, nurses, and volunteers who supported them through those critical early days.
The event fostered a sense of community, with parents sharing experiences and milestones while children enjoyed a variety of engaging activities under the “Superheroes” theme. Storytime sessions, led by children’s author Christine Evans, offered both entertainment and learning—an experience made possible by donors Judie and Peter Wolken, whose gift underwrites the NICU’s Reach Out and Read (R.O.A.R.) program. R.O.A.R. encourages parents to read to their babies, promoting cognitive development and strengthening bonds that last a lifetime.
Adding to the excitement, San Jose Earthquakes captain Cristian Espinoza made a special appearance, signing t-shirts and taking photos with attendees. Staff and volunteers proudly wore colorful R.O.A.R. t-shirts, a visible reminder of how donor support fuels meaningful programs and memorable experiences for NICU families.
Thanks to the generosity of donors like the Wolkens, the NICU Reunion continues to be a cherished tradition—bringing together families, celebrating progress, and highlighting the incredible impact of compassionate care.
Learn more about supporting NICU programs
Published November 2025
Photos by: RyanVincent Alvarez
