Former patient returns to celebrate AdventHealth Altamonte NICU’s 5th anniversary

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., - Five years ago, Lucy Snowball was being cared for in the NICU at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs. This week she was back on the unit for a much happier occasion.

The NICU, which boasts a team of 32 nurses and neonatologists Dr. Kreangkai Tyree and Dr. Avi Leibovici celebrated its 5th anniversary on Jan. 30.

Lucy, the NICU’s second patient of the more than 1,370 that have graduated the unit, was in attendance with her family, which had another milestone to celebrate.

Meghan Snowball welcomed her second child, Oliver, at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs on Jan. 28, just days before the anniversary. And he, too, needed the assistance of the NICU.

“We loved the care this team provided to Lucy and our family five years ago, we knew we had to come back here to deliver Oliver, even though we now live in Deltona,” said Meghan.

Thankfully, Oliver, who was being treated for respiratory distress and hypoglycemia, graduated out of the NICU the day of the anniversary celebration.

“It's so important that we remember, we all walk the same path, but do not make the same footprint,” said Dr. Tyree. “Providing outstanding care to each individual patient is paramount. It has been a true privilege to serve the Seminole community in this way.”

Assistant nurse manager Patty Schweizer enjoyed having former patients return.

“It has been a pleasure to provide care to so many babies over the years and it has been my pleasure to watch them grow during their return visits,” she said.

Celebrating the five-year milestone means a lot to those who work in the unit.

“Working in the only NICU in Seminole County is a privilege and honor,” said senior nurse manager Shea Simmons-Hall. “It has given me the great pleasure to have had the experience to work on the NICU building plans, successfully hire, build, and create our staff team. I am always excited to come to work and I look forward to everyday adventures with our team, patients and community partners.”