NICU Care Follows Families Beyond Discharge
University Health's Fall Fest at Morgan's Wonderland gathered children in three programs supporting premature infants from birth through age five.
By Stefan Greco ·
Hundreds of children born prematurely or with developmental challenges attended a Halloween celebration on October 26 at Morgan's Wonderland, a theme park in San Antonio built for people with mobility limitations and other disabilities. The park's ferris wheel, slides, carousels and WingZ of Wonder are constructed for children with special needs. Costumed children attended with their families for rides and trick-or-treating at the event, called Fall Fest.
The gathering drew from three University Health programs. The PREMIEre program serves premature infants. The NICU Graduate Program provides medical, developmental and nutritional support during a child's first two years. The Comprehensive Care Clinic extends support services through the first five years for preemies.
Morgan's Wonderland accommodates visitors with a variety of mobility challenges and other limitations. The park's rides are built for children with special needs, including the ferris wheel, slides, carousels and WingZ of Wonder.
University Health palliative pediatrician Dr. Glen Medellin has treated many of the children who attended. He described watching his patients' progress. "It's beautiful to see these children out here, not sick and with their families," Medellin said. "It makes them feel normal."
Source: Texas Public Radio
