Lucky Arrival: St. Patrick’s Day Baby Born At Newark Hospital

NEWARK, NJ — Luck was on Marie Simmons and Alterik Brown’s side this St. Patrick’s Day as they welcomed their little bundle of joy at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.

Baby Ari was born at 5:33 a.m. on Monday at the Newark medical center, a RWJBarnabas Health Children’s Network Hospital.

Weighing six pounds and 13 ounces, the newborn will share her birthday with a holiday known for good fortune – a lucky sign for a much-loved child.

“We are overjoyed to welcome our little daughter,” Simmons said. “It’s a day we’ll always remember, and we feel so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful care and support.”

Simmons lives within walking distance of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and walked into the emergency department when her timed contractions led her to believe that her daughter was ready to be born. The day before, she walked more than two miles at Weequahic Park, where she often went for exercise during her pregnancy, hospital administrators said.

The family said they’re excited to welcome Ari home, where her 8-year-old sister eagerly awaits.

Nearly 3,000 children are born at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center every year, hospital administrators said.

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