Headlines
As reported by The Hartford Courant, June 10, 2008.
Two Honored for NICU Volunteer Service
By Leigh-Anne Lefurge
FARMINGTON — Families, volunteers and staff gathered at UConn Health Center in Farmington on June 6 to celebrate the second anniversary of the March of Dimes NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Family Support Program and honored two outstanding contributors to the program.
Patty Swanson of West Hartford was honored for her dedication to the March of Dimes and donation of photography services in the NICU. Swanson, owner of Patty Swanson Photography, frequently meets with parents whose baby or babies are in intensive care and holds special photo shoots to capture the precious moments of those babies born too small or too sick too go home with their parents.
The mother of premature twins, Swanson understands first-hand the importance of the March of Dimes mission to give every baby a healthy start. A 15 year volunteer for the March of Dimes, the Swanson family has served as local ambassadors and Swanson continues to donate her photography skills to several Connecticut Chapter events.
UConn Health Center nurse Manager, Maureen Guzzi of Suffield, was also honored for her outstanding dedication and support of the program. Guzzi serves as a member of the program's Chapter Neonatal Action Committee (CNAC) and serves as chair of the transition to home committee. She also supports several March of Dimes events such as March for Babies, Blue Jeans for Babies and Light a Little Star.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.