Photo gallery Award-winning photos portray hospital’s care
Two photographs of patients and caregivers at American Family Children’s Hospital by John Maniaci were selected among 50 winning photos for the biennial Children’s Hospitals photo exhibit, a national competition by the Children’s Hospital Association. The online exhibit includes stories behind the photos, allowing viewers to read first-hand accounts from patients, parents, doctors and other health care providers.
“This baby boy is about to be held by his dad for the very first time,” says Alison Schlimgen, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. “I’ll always remember the day this picture was taken. It is one of those extraordinary moments that happen every so often in life that leave you feeling breathless.” This baby was born critically ill. For weeks, hospital staff cared for him in the NICU, but his condition continued to worsen. Bu then the baby's condition suddenly began to improve, vital signs stabilized and spontaneous breathing began to occur without the help of a ventilator. On the day of the photo, Schlimgen was about to hand this boy to his father for the first time. “As I picked this baby up, I was suddenly and completely overtaken by emotion,” says Schlimgen. “What was happening in this child’s life was something beyond a scientific or medical explanation. I was witnessing a miracle.” Photo by John Maniaci
Due to a low heart rate and inhalation of meconium in the womb, Noah was delivered early via emergency Cesarean section. He was transported to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at American Family Children’s Hospital where he was treated with oxygen support and medication. “Noah’s lungs were underdeveloped and when his weight began to drop, I began to worry,” says Noah’s mom, Lisa. “The NICU staff were wonderfully supportive and addressed my multitude of questions and concerns. They were very considerate of my wishes for my son and provided a place at the hospital for me to be by his side during his three-week stay.” Today, Noah is in excellent health and is hitting all the marks on his growth and development charts. Photo by John Maniaci