Neonatal ICU Expected To Open in May At Silver Cross In New Lenox

NEW LENOX, IL — The Silver Cross Foundation hopes to raise a bundle at its inaugural Silver Social fundraiser to benefit the proposed new Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Silver Cross Hospital. The event, “Celebrating New Beginnings,” will be held on from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 28 at CD&ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort.

“The Silver Social is sure to be Will County’s largest baby shower and the event of the season,” said Michele Vana, Silver Social committee chair. “More importantly, we are excited to raise a bundle to support the first and only Level 3 NICU in Will County so that premature and critically ill babies do not have to leave our community for lifesaving care, and families can remain together.”

The Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is expected to open sometime in May, according to hospital officials. Silver Cross unveiled the NICU April 8 during a formal dedication.

"We understand the importance of having care that usually only found in the big cities right here in our own backyard," Michele Vana said during the dedication.

She went on to describe how her children — Amy, Matthew and Jay — were born 12 weeks premature in 1995 and spent nine weeks in an NICU in Chicago. Now, with the NICU at Silver Cross, families in Will County with babies born premature and full-term babies with congenital disorders will not have to spend hours traveling for care, she said.

"Tom [Michele's husband] and I are so very honored to be able to have this space bear the name of our heroes, our babies, our children, Amy, Matt and Jay," Michele Vana said.

The $12.9 million NICU features 24 private rooms, a family lounge and dedicated rooms for parents to spend the night and be intimately involved in their baby’s care, according to hospital officials.

Silver Cross' NICU will be the first in Will County, according to Silver Cross Hospital president and CEO Ruth Colby.

"For decades, these children have been transported to an NICU in downtown Chicago," Colby said. "You can only imagine the stress and worry this creates for parents during an already difficult time.

"So, in keeping with our mission to improve the health of those we serve and advance wellness in our community, we saw the need, and we set out to address it."

Patients of the NICU will be cared for 24/7 by a team of highly skilled neonatologists, neonatal nurse nurses, respiratory therapists and other caregivers, and have immediate access to Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists, according to hospital officials.

Tickets for the Silver Social are $125 and include lunch, raffle and program featuring the reveal of the NICU. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for chances to win a variety of experiences, services and items. Participating and Underwriting Sponsorships are also available and range between $500 and $10,000 and include pre- and post-event recognition and event tickets.

Purchase Silver Social tickets and sponsorships at www.silvercross.org/giving/events/silver-social or by contacting the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105.