On April 17, 2018, Erin Tarbox gave birth to her daughter, Brinley, via emergency C-section at 30 weeks. At birth, Brinley weighed just under two pounds, and she spent the next two months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Knowing how hard the NICU journey is, Erin wanted to do something to support other NICU families. The following September, with the help of family and friends and the support of the March of Dimes, Erin delivered more than a hundred care packages to the NICU.
Brinley is now a happy and healthy three-year-old who helps her mom package and deliver Brinley’s Bags to the St. Peter’s Hospital NICU every year. Over the past three years, they’ve delivered 1,900 bags to support NICU parents and families, delivering at least 20 each month and more, as needed.
Erin fills the bags with items she would have liked during her days visiting Brinley in the NICU: lotion, toothbrushes, tissues, lots of snacks, and a journal. Erin also includes a message of support to parents and families.
We first shared Erin and Brinley’s story in 2018. Read the original story here.
About St. Peter’s Hospital NICU
Our level III NICU, located within St. Peter’s Hospital, specializes in caring for premature or critically ill newborns. An expert staff of of neonatologists, neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists and others work 24/7 to help an average of 300 babies born premature or critically ill each year. When a baby must stay in the NICU, we offer parents a “courtesy stay.” Parents may sleep overnight in the maternity ward, and we provide meals and pay for parking. These efforts promote bonding and make a difficult time as convenient as possible.
For more information on our comprehensive maternity services, visit our website at: Maternity Care | St. Peter’s Health Partners | Albany, NY (sphp.com).
