Words cannot express what I feel about Rainbow's NICU. On December 29, 2004 after years of struggling with infertility I gave birth to twins, Blakeley and Isabella. They were born at 34 weeks. After many hours of labor Blakeley was finally born. It took much more effort for Isabella to join us! When our Bella was born, she was quickly rushed away. Never did I hear that cry that every mom anxiously awaits! I learned later that Bella was not breathing on her own and her APGAR was a mere 2. After being worked on they were able to stabilize our little girl. Our son only had to spend one night in the NICU and Bella only had to spend 2 days! The nurses there were amazing! After several weeks in the step-down unit we were finally able to take our miracles home. I can't thank the nurses, doctors, and staff for everything they did for us during these first few weeks! We are so lucky to live so close to one of the country's top NICUs! Our twins are now very healthy and full of energy 4 year olds, who are hard to keep up with!!! You do more than save lives, you help create families!

Elisabeth Brozic

When my son was born in Oct. 2006 he was born with a diaphramatic hernia and was transferred downtown rainbow babies nicu. we were told he wasn’t going to make it but he made it through everything and we went home a month after he was born. the rainbow team were very helpful through everything. I am so glad they saved my sons life. Considering it looked very grim when he was born. He is now a very happy 2 1/2 year old boy who loves to dance and watch the wiggles.

Melissa Lambert

When I tell people about Lukas, I explain to them that he is my HERO. He is alive and is capable of being my HERO because of RBC's NICU! There is no words, gifts, understanding that I can EVER express to the staff in the NICU. Lukas was born at 25 weeks on November 2, 2007. The February before I had a daughter that was born at 23 weeks and passed away shortly after birth, so you can only imagine the fear I was feeling all over again. I was prepared for Lukas to be born early. I was on bed rest on Mac 6 for several weeks before he was born. I had several surgeries to prevent his premature delivery BUT he was determined and was delivered at 1 pound 10 ounces and a mere 13 inches long. Shortly after his birth my family was able to go to the NICU to see him but I had to recover a bit. I was so nervous and there was NOTHING I could do. A "fellow" walked into my recover room and explained to me that Lukas was breathing on his own and he was 745 grams... It was a miracle... Then I was hearing that the "HoneyMoon" was over... 3 days after Luaks was born he was put on a ventilator and it took him almost 4 months to come COMPLETE off it all together. Lukas experienced just about everything the books say could possibly happen while in the NICU. Lukas had several blood transfusions and still pulls his heel back when someone comes near his feet. I have seen Lukas resesitated more times than I have ever imagined and the "emergency" button was pushed twice because of Lukas. There was several nurses who were afraid of Luke and on several occasions he was called the Rebel in Nursery 6. Lukas has Chronic Lung Disease, Asthma, CHF, severe reflux and aspiration and still is on several meds for this reason. He had a Nissen Flundo Plication preformed when they surgically implanted his G Tube. Lukas now drinks a bottle with thickened liquids and is eating table foods. I still have to put his meds through his G tube because of the consistency of them. Lukas has come such a long way and each day he continues to thrive and amaze me and his therapists. We spent nearly 6 months in the hospital and I was only able to go through this because if the ENTIRE staff at Rainbows NICU and of course Rainbow 4. The nurses, doctors, interns, secretaries and even the housekeeping staff became a part of my family. I have 2 other children and my Angel in Heaven and they were always included in the process and the next step in Luke's life. It was a difficult situation for everyone BUT again we were guided and helped through each step. I was not always the easiest person to get along with through all of this but never once did anyone ever look at me different, its like they just understood and guided me. Lukas sees several specialists and his future looks just as bright as he does!!!!!!!! I owe all of this to the NICU! Lukas is 16 months old and is almost 21 pounds. He is beginning to take steps on his own and has a vocabulary out of this world. He blows kisses to everyone who walks passed him... He is SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love to all! RBC NICU ROCKS!

Kelly Simpson

Our beautiful daughter Bridget was born on April 27, 2006 and immediately transferred to Rainbow from Youngstown, OH. She was eventually diagnosed with CHARGE syndrom which meant that we were in for a long and difficult road. We experienced many ups and downs throughout our four months in Rainbow's NICU and Bridget survived and thrived throughout it all. The single most important aspect in her care was the dedication and support of the staff there. There are two examples of this that my wife, Kim, and I tell everybody with whom we talk about our stay. Bridget's first doctor (Neonatologist) that we met with, has followed Bridget's progress to this day. He held our hands as we cried through her diagnosis. After discharge, he called us every two to three days if he didn't hear from us. When this doctor didn't see Bridget for a couple of months, he invited us over to his house for dinner. I don't mean to say that all doctor's could or should go this far, but it was entirely reassuring to have one professional so commited to our daughter's well being. Our other shining example of a true caregiver was one of Bridget's NICU nurses. At one point during her stay, Bridget experienced a bowel perforation. She was immediately rushed into surgery. We mistakenly thought that the operation was the most dangerous part of this ordeal but the ensuing infection was nearly catastrophic. The night after surgery, Bridget's nurse worked a 12 hour shift. After arriving and assesing Bridget, he immediately discharged his other patient into the care of another nurse. He then stayed at Bridget's bedside for the next 14 hours straight. He never took a break, restroom, meal or otherwise. He stayed well beyond the end time of his shift to make sure that the next nurse was perfect in her execution of Bridget's care. We were later told, and firmly believe, that Bridget would not have made it through that night without that nurse's care. To all of the staff at Rainbow. Thank you for taking care of our baby girl. Our family is forever in debt to all of you. The Benson Family

Josh Benson

I was pregnant for the first time with twins. At around 29 weeks, I went into labor the first time. I was admitted for 4 days and sent home on bedrest. 3 days later I went into labor a second time. This time I was admitted until they were born. The boys decided to come at 32 weeks. (Just in time for the Indians to be 3-1 up on the Red Sox. Maybe hoping for a World Series.) They rushed my sons to the NICU due to breathing difficulties. I didn't see them for very long. It wasn't until 1am, 14 hours after they were born, I was able to get a good look at them for the first time. They were both intubated at this time, side by side. I felt ill and my husband rushed me back to my room. I wasn't sure at this time if it was the surgery, lack of sleep or seeing my infants intubated. I am a nurse at University on an adult oncology floor. So for me, I didn't know much about neonatology, but with my experince, intubation was never a good thing. I was a bit crazy because I thought of all the bad things that could happen. I almost wish I wasn't a nurse at this time. I spent the next week being taught by the staff about my babies. I didn't hold them as much and anything I could do for them I was excited. They weren't taking a bottle at this point. I was so excited when they asked if I wanted to change the diaper of one of my twins. (Cole Grady, who was named for Indians player Grady Sizemore from a bet made previously with my husband. THe other my other son was named Caden Noah, I changed his diaper too. Such cute little baby butts. ) I was unsure and scared of my mothering skills. They had wires,tube feedings, breathing tube, bright purple/blue bilirubin lights. Not to mention, I had two babies to worry about. I would often look around and see babies even tinier than mine and wonder how it is possible that such a little body can tolerate so much. I knew my babies where in good hands because I heard so many wonderful things about Dr. J. Fanaroff from people, not just staff, but friends and relatives. I even know a young girl treated by his father 17 years prior to my boys. SHe is super great now and about to graduate high school. THe nurses were always calm and took care of the boys so well. Every night I had to go home to get my rest, but was back first thing. Those nights I would be a nervous wreck. I would call in the middle of the night to get an update. I always got a nurse who seemed to understand my anxiety. THe boys went to the step down unit and spend another 4 weeks there. It was the hardest time in my life. They are now happy 17 month olds who have more than 5 times their birthday weight. They both have a heart issue that is being monitored, but other than that are healthy and nearly caught up to what their actual age should be. I thank the social workers for getting me connected with the "Help Me Grow" program. We have a specialist come over once a month to evaluate the boys. They have come along so well. I couldn't be happier. I'm excited about the new wing. It would've been nice to be able to stay with our boys when they were in the NICU. This new wing is going to be great. It will definately make the NICU even a stronger place.

Teresa Whittaker

You guys have the best NICU staff in the world. My daughter spent 7 months in the NICU after being born early, and everyone helped so much with all the issues that she had. Everyone worked as a Team to help my daughter thrive. She is now almost 3 years old, and I have everyone in the NICU to thank for a job well done.

Katina Carranza

Jan 9 2008 Alexis was born at 26 weeks.. and they thought her chances of living was very slim.. Alexis had a lot of ups and downs but came out of it all. she was on a vent for 11 hours and came off of it. Today Alexis is a very happy 14 month old little girl who enjoys life so much. She loves to walk around the house and up and down stairs.. so loves to play with her big sister.. thanks to nicu staff Alexis made it though the nicu with nothing really wrong with her Alexis is my miracle and I would always thank nicu staff for her living and Alexis was only 1lbs 15 ozs and 12.5 inches long but now she is 19 lbs 34 inches long and is soo beautiful I would always thank them for what they did to help my baby girl live and I will make sure she knows that it was because of them this is Alexis Louise Agosto storey and thank you for listening to it

Jennifer Jones

Rainbow is where miracles happen. The NICU staff made it possible for us to bring home our 24 week (1lb 4oz) premature baby boy just 2 days shy of his original due date. The love and care that our Anthony Nicholas received for the first 120 days of his life is to be commended. Our family is forever grateful and we strongly believe that he is with us today because of all of you and the role you played during his extensive care. Now, almost four years later, our precious preemie has grown into a healthy and happy rambunctious toddler. We are eternally grateful and we consider you to be a part of our family. We could not thank you enough. You are truly AMAZING!

Janet Sassano

What a surprise it was for us that our son was born two months early, and what a terrifying experience it was to have him transferred to NICU, not knowing what was in the future for him or for ourselves. I can't emphasize enough how fortunate we were to have him sent to Rainbow. I was in tears when I went to see my son in the NICU for the first time after I recovered from surgery, but after speaking with the staff and the doctors I was so relieved and knew without a doubt that our son was in the best of care. Our son is growing fast and is healthy and we owe so much of that to the people at Rainbow. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Renae Devich

Jacob was born at another hospital in December of 2005. He was rushed to Rainbow's NICU to have his precious little life saved. He was born with an omphalocile, hernia, scoliosis, a tethered spinal cord, heart and lung problems, and more. The reason all the details are so unclear is because we didn't birth Jacob, we just loved him since the moment we met him. We weren't even ever in the NICU, but would have been if we knew that Jacob existed. Jacob spent his first Chirstmas in the NICU. He had his first surgery when he was 11 days old. He was cared for by a team of Angels, the doctors and nurses who chose to come to work and take excellent care of our son. The nurses who chose to work on Christmas may have wished him his first holiday greeting. We have spent a lot of time with the respiratory therapists. We have stayed up late at night in the picu with them, trying to get them to remember any little detail about Jacob. One late night, Chris, who we call St. Christopher, was helping Jacob in the PICU. He told us that some of the nurses who knew Jacob as a newborn were working in the NICU. He said they would come over to the PICU and visit us. I was overwhelmed! Jacob's first mothers were with us! We got through that PICU visit and lost track of them. Jacob's first year was rough, his second year was a little easier, his third year was an improvement from the prior, and now, Jacob is 3 and thriving! Jacob began Physical and Occupational Therapies at 10 weeks old. He had a feeding tube surgery at 6 months old, after coding three times at Metro Hospital and his transfer and recovery at Rainbow. If I could list everyone who has cared for and loved Jacob I have met, every doctor, nurse, therapist, pca, social worker, chaplin, student, and more, I would fill an entire page of people who have loved our son. We have been gifted with a beautiful son who has captured our hearts. Thank you, NICU "Moms" and everyone else at Rainbow, for making Jacob's life and our lives better. You have saved his life, enhanced his life, and made our numerous stays comfortable. Thank you for everything! PS We named Jacob at his adoption, his original name was different.

Jennifer Karasick

My daughter Haley was born February 19th 1999 at only 24 weeks gestation weighing only 1 pound 7 ounces and 12 inches long. I was scared and felt helpless the doctors were unable to stop my labor and the outcome seemed grim. I distinctly remember Dr. Richard Martin he spoke to me before the delivery he was very confident and he reassured me that Haley would be o.k and I held on to those words for the next 4 month. There were great days and very very bad days, I could not have made it with out the support of the nurses who not only cared for my daughter but for me as well. Haley was due June 10th, 1999 and was discharged from the hospital June 11th, 1999 weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces. Haley recently celebrated her 10th birthday she is truly an amazing little girl who touches the hearts of everyone she meets. She is an intelligent 4th grader and loves to read, swim and ride her bike. I know Haley would not be here today if she was not cared for by the doctors and nurses at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. No words could every express my thanks and gratitude to you all. This experience changed my life and I am now a R.N. hoping to make a difference for someone else.

Nicole Tomazic

Our first child Isabella was born at another fine area hospital after a very hard labor on both of us. One of her arms was lodged next to her head. When our family left for the night, and my husband had fallen asleep I sat in bed looking at her and her face turned blue. A nurse rushed her away and the next morning she was taken to Rainbows. We were shocked and heartbroken. She looked perfect, what would cause her to stop breathing? My husband went with her and I had to stay behind in the hospital. Hours passed before I heard from him. Finally after all the tests she had a fractured skull, birth trauma. My husband spoke so highly on how he was treated and how quickly the staff worked to get her all the care she needed. Tough choices had to be made and Rainbows staff made it, well, a little less scary. We were very fragile and needed our hands held. What did we know, we expected to go in, have a baby and leave with a healthy child. Well 8 days later we did. We are so grateful to the staff at Rainbows. My family is so lucky to have this facility right here in Cleveland. I know because of Rainbows we now have a very happy and healthy 2-1/2 year old. She is strong and very tough, a little fighter. We adore her and cannot thank you enough.

Amy Rizzo

I have been thanking God for 37 years for the nurses and doctors at Rainbow's NICU. May daughter was born at another hospital in Cleveland. Due to prematurity and other problems, she had to be transferred to RB&C's NICU where she remained for a month in 1972. Her life's road hasn't been easy due to cerebral palsy; but if it weren't for the dedicated doctors and nurses in the NICU she would not be with us today. THANK YOU!!!!!

Jane DeSantis

Nov 24, 2006, was our first experience with Rainbow NICU. Our daughter was born premature weighing 3lbs. 14 1/4 inches long. She was 2 months early. She had a couple of things wrong when she born, but the unit nurses and doctor assure us it would be a long haul but everything would be ok. They were very supportive. Our daughter stay in the NICU during the holidays, which was rough, then in mid of January 07 she was allowed to go to step down. I am proud to say, she is two years old with a clean bill of health. The doctors, nurses and receptionist are so wonderful, caring and amazing. The strive to remember your name and assure you in any way what will be going on. Today, even the doctors do stay in touch. They want to know the status of our daughter. Which I think is totally awesome. Being a first time parent, I was scared, and wondering why is it happening to us. But knowing you are not alone. Those people at NICU was there for any question, concern and tryed to help in anyway. Knowing some have worst cases then what you have, some have better cases then what you have. You are not alone. Our local hospital could NOT do what they do! But know that they Rainbows' NICU is the best of the best! Just think what would happen IF they weren't here!

Jody Klima-Susman

I had my twins 10 weeks early due to a sudden onset of HELLP syndrom - which almost claimed my life. The days we were in the NICU were the hardest days of our lives, but thanks to the caring staff of doctors, nurses, and other staff - my husband and I were able to go home at night knowing our sons were getting the care and attention they needed and deserved. Born at 2lb 12oz and 3lb 6oz, our little angels have now grown to be healthy, smart and amazing 2 year olds! I credit not only God, but RB&C for the wonderful life my sons have to look forward to! THANK YOU RAINBOW!

Denise Bedoya

My daughter was born at 30 weeks, weighing only 4lbs.2oz. I was so afraid that I would hurt her when I first changed her diaper, because she was literally skin and bones. Even though I was fearful, knowing that she was in the care of the doctors and the nurses in the NICU at Rainbow Babies and Children helped me to cope a lot better. Thank you so much to everyone at Rainbow Babies and Children.

Erin Howard

On December 24, 2006 I gave birth to my sweet daughter Sophia Marie. Although I was exstatic and happy to be a new mom, I was also terrified. She arrived 13 weeks early and weighed only 2 lbs 5 oz. It was disheartening at first to be transferred to the maternity floor without being able to see or hold my new baby. However, when I was taken to the NICU and I layed eyes on my precious gift, all I could concentrate on was getting her healthy and well so that my husband and I could bring her home. I do not know where we would be without the wonderful nurses and doctors that worked around the clock to take care of and watch over our baby girl. I am brought to tears as I feel so appreciative of the care that was given to our Sophia. We were fortunate enough to stay in one of the sleep rooms on the same floor as the NICU. For 3 months the hospital became our home and I spent a lot of time with the nurses. I have many fond memories of the nurses that worked closely with Sophia. My first week I broke out in hives all over my body. One day I went in to see Sophia and one of the nurses gave me a bottle of caladryl. (Thanks Veronica!)My first time sitting in on rounds, I heard the doctors talk about how Sophia had bleeding in the brain. Not realizing this is common for premature babies, I broke down in tears and felt so helpless, however the nurse that was assigned to Sophia that day, sat down with me and told me what to expect, and that not every day was going to be good, that there will be bad days, but to hang in there. (Erin, I will never forget your kind words.)I often went into the NICU late at night to hold Sophia and to just be with her. The nurses were always there to talk to and to laugh with. It was as if I was in a room with a bunch of old friends rather than a hospital. And that meant so much. Although Sophia is now 2 years old, there are times when I am reminded of all the kind hardworking people at The NICU that cared so much for her and for our family. There will never be enough words to express our gratitude. Thank you for all you have done for us and God Bless.

Christy Jackson

From Mac 6 to Rainbow 4 It was my ninth pregnancy and after seven miscarriages I had to give my baby every chance possible. Like most mothers, I remember the day my water broke in great detail. I was sitting at my friend’s kitchen table and I felt a gush. Unfortunately, I was only 12-weeks pregnant. For the next six-weeks I called specialists at Yale and New York University and researched the potential outcomes of pre-term premature rupture of membranes (pProm). At 18-weeks and still leaking amniotic fluid daily, I was diagnosed with severe oligohydramnios. At that point, I made the decision to work with the maternal fetal medicine (MFM) physicians at University Hospitals. Medical studies did not suggest a favorable outcome – lack of lung development, lung immaturity, limb deformities, plus we had to consider all the issues caused by pre-maturity. We wanted our son to be born at a hospital where his condition was the norm rather than an anomaly. At 25-weeks I was admitted to MacDonald Women's Hospital. “Mac 6” became my home for the next 70 days. It’s where we celebrated my first son’s third baby, where I ate Thanksgiving dinner and were my girlfriends threw me an impromptu baby shower. Rainbows prepared me for everything. I was given a tour of the NICU unit and was told exactly what would happen from the moment of birth to the first time I would be able to see my baby. At 34-weeks the neonatologist said my baby had a better chance of survival outside the womb. He was born via planned c-section and was taken to the NICU immediately. He spent 8-days learning how to breath on his own and another 2-weeks on Rainbow Four learning how to eat. Rainbows went above and beyond in their treatment of not only my son but our family as well. Everyone was so kind and considerate. Although, he was very sick when he was born, my husband and I joked that we brought home the Gerber baby. Thank you Rainbow Babies and Children. Patty Owens Aurora, Ohio

Patty Owens

I had the opportunity to experience the NICU two times, the first time I did not know what to expect all I had every know about was the labor and delivery floor. I never realized that there was a whole new world in the NICU, the baby and my husband and baby went one way and I another way still a little confused about what was next ,well next turned into months of an emotional rollercoaster the staff of doctors, nurses and secretarial staff and the whole hospital was blessing to our family,six years later we were blessed to a second experience this time we had a October baby born in August we believed in our #1 hospital this baby came home after the holiday , we were blessed with three healthy children two whom were touched by special hands. Thanks for all you do daily

Marla Fowler-Swails

Emma was brought to RB&C NICU Aug. 10, 2008 (3 days old) with breathing difficulties. Being brand new parents, we were beyond scared to hear "Your baby is being transferred to Rainbows". Thankfully, that fear was quickly replaced with a sense of peace and confidence that she was in the hands of the best. Your staff took care of not only diagnosing and treating Emma, but also the task of taking care of her new parents. You were there to explain foreign terms, ask us for input and allow us to be the new family we had just become 3 days prior...even with cords, IV's, monitors and beeps in the background. Now at 7 and a half mos old - Emma's concerns with breathing get better each day as she grows into the strong and healthy little miracle that she is - just reminds us how precious each little breath is. The words "THANK YOU" just don't seem large enough to tell the angels (AKA nurses & doctors) that watched over her that first week of her little life. Our lives have forever been blessed by your gift to Emma and us! God bless, Charity, Eric and Emma

Charity Kaleal