NICU PICU Campaign

Driven to offer hope to our smallest patients and their families.

Families across the commonwealth turn to UVA Health Children’s for life-saving care of their loved ones from birth to 18 years old. Growing demand for our acclaimed neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU) means we are nearly always at capacity. Too often we’re unable to admit critically ill infants or children due to lack of space (on average 10 babies and up to 24% of pediatric patients per month). To continue providing the best possible care to our community, UVA Health Children’s has launched a $50 million project with a $25 million philanthropic goal to expand and enhance the NICU and PICU.

This project will enable us to increase the number of NICU and PICU beds, equip all beds with vital, state-of-the-art technology, and provide more single rooms and spaces for patient-family bonding, which have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce lengths of stay.

To get involved or start a conversation, contact our team at uvahealthfoundation@virginia.edu. 

Living Proof

Meet Olivia, a patient who was saved by UVA Health Children’s. Expanding our NICU and PICU will help more children. 

READ MORE
Fact Sheet

Learn how expanding will help us meet the needs of Virginia’s families.

LEARN MORE

 

Meet NICU PICU Patients

Grace riding a horse
Grace Riedl, 14

Born prematurely, Grace was admitted to the NICU and diagnosed with a brain bleed and a non-functioning kidney. After weeks of treatment, she was able to go home with no remaining complications. At age 10, Grace was diagnosed with Type 2 Narcolepsy. Now an Eighth Grade honor roll student, Grace spends her birthday month (May) collecting the most needed items for NICU patients and families, which she delivers to the staff and providers, many of whom have known her since birth.

russ stands wearing jersey smiling
Russ Ragan, 6

When Russ was admitted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for what initially appeared to be dehydration, a physician noted that Carilion didn’t have pediatric nephrology specialists. Russ was transferred to UVA Health Children’s, and was diagnosed with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare and serious disease that affects the kidneys and blood. Today at UVA Health Children's, Russ typically requires just an annual visit to manage his care. He enjoys playtime with his siblings and basketball.

maddox sits in front of pumpkins
Maddox Coram, 2

Maddox was born early, at 27 weeks. During six months in the NICU, Maddox was diagnosed with BPD, a chronic lung disease often associated with premature birth and requiring oxygen therapy. Maddox, who faces developmental challenges, has undergone physical therapy and speech therapy. His family looks forward to his steady improvements in walking and talking. Maddox is a fan of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.