The Antelope Valley Times

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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit seeks stories for 35th anniversary

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LANCASTER – The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Antelope Valley Hospital is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, the hospital is looking for patient stories.

Patients or parents of patients are encouraged to send stories and photos (NICU photo and current photo) to marketing@avhospital.org. Submissions should include the patient’s name, submitter’s name (if different), phone number and patient’s birth year.

Since opening in 1984, the NICU has provided care for nearly 14,000 of the region’s tiniest and most vulnerable residents. The unit has grown from two small rooms to 21 private rooms and a staff of 80 that includes nurses, occupational therapists, respiratory care practitioners, dietitians, pharmacists and social workers.

“The NICU provides a unique and vital resource to the Antelope Valley,” stated Dr. Murugesa Thangavel, a neonatologist and medical director for the NICU, who has led the NICU since its inception. “It has been a privilege to earn the love and support of the community by providing quality care to our growing region.”

Approximately 10 percent of all births are premature. At AV Hospital those delicate babies are treated to a blend of high-tech and high-touch care delivered by UCLA board-certified neonatologists, like Dr. Thangavel. Because of this, infants as small as 1.5 pounds and as early as 23 weeks have the best possible chance at leading normal lives.

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5 comments for "Neonatal Intensive Care Unit seeks stories for 35th anniversary"

  1. February 1, 1985, I gave birth to my wonderful daughter. I had toxemia so labor was induced. She aspirated prior to birth. Her APGAR score was a 3. Dr. Thangavel and the NICU staff went to work on her immediately. Her APGAR went to a 7. Determining that she had not had a bowel movement prior to aspirating. Thankfully. We both spent 5 days at AVH. I had complications from the toxemia. Dr. Thangavel and NICU Staff took amazing care of my baby. Without them and Dr. Wm. J. Copeland, I know I wouldn’t have had her in my life. Forever in their debt. I didn’t take any pictures of her in NICU. But did upon arriving home. Today she is an amazing 34 yr old Mom to 3 children.

  2. On October 23, 1997 my son John was born 16 weeks premature and weighing in at 1 lb. 6.9 oz. Despite having a heart condition and a grade 4 brain hemorrhage. Dr. Thangaval and the staff of the NICU department helped my son thrive. He is now a student at AVC and I truly owe his life to the Antelope Valley Hospital NICU.

  3. Hi my name is jose marquz.
    On july/20017 God blessed me with kenny. Kenny was only 26 week weighting only 540 grams. From the firs time i see him i know he was a miracle baby. With God first and in second place all the wonderfull team at NICU that took care of my baby for 3 long months. I am soooooo happy whit them for all the love they gave to my baby. All af themm are and will be in my hart forever.

  4. Jan 7, 1987 my daughter, Madelyn, was born 8 weeks early by emergency C-section because my appendix was about to rupture. Dr Thangavel took good care of her.

  5. 12/24/1991 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was born with a heart condition. Thanks you to Dr.Thangaval and the nicu nurses . My daughter is a beautiful young lady . I am forever greatful to the entire nicu team. I have pictures of Dr.Thangaval and the nurses holding my daughter and i woul love to share.
    The beautiful thing as well is 25 years later i became an employee of AVH. I am beyond proud to be apart. They hold a special place in my heart.