Hundreds of adults and children returned to Johns Hopkins on July 7 for Hopkins Children’s annual neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)  reunion. Families cruised the Turner Building concourse on the East Baltimore campus, seeking out the faculty and staff who helped make possible the lives of many of the children tucked in strollers, cuddled in arms or helping themselves to a slice of cake or plate of cheese and crackers at the food tables.

“This is what I live for,” said NICU nurse Cheryl Stephens, who attends the annual reunions. “I get to see my kids grow and do well. We’re so privileged to help someone begin their lives.”

“The nurses supporting us gave us hope,” says Ryan Andreen, whose daughter Elianna, 6, began her life in the N ICU and is now thriving. “They did everything to support her and us, to help us all survive.”

Returning patients could receive diplomas,  reminders of “how well you did.” All were graduated “summa cum NICU.”

Regarded as a Center of Excellence in newborn care, the Hopkins Children’s NICU has 45 acute-care beds for premature infants and infants born with cardiac, pulmonary or surgical problems.