Gavin and Gabriel León, Graduates of the Kim and Steven Ullman NICU

It has been 10 years since the Kim and Steven Ullman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital opened its doors to Santa Clarita Valley’s tiniest patients. Since opening in June of 2012, the NICU has cared for more than 1,500 babies. These babies, called “Graduates”, often gather to celebrate with the staff of the NICU and their families. Two of the NICUs first Graduates would like to tell you their story.

“Almost ten years ago our brand new lives were saved by the heroes of the Kim and Steven Ullman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit! Our very first room had all the equipment and supplies we needed --thanks to the generosity of our community. And, it had the very best nurses and doctors!

We want to help celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the NICU by once again sharing our story as we are just 2 of the more than 1,500 babies that benefitted from the great services of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. (Although we were among the first!) When our mom was 12 weeks pregnant, it was discovered that not only was she carrying twins but that we were a rare type called monoamniotic or mono-mono. Mom tells people this occurs when a single fertilized egg becomes identical twins who share a common placenta and amniotic sac. Monoamniotic twins like us are very unusual, and lots of problems can occur like umbilical cords becoming entangled and stopping blood flow. We understand our parents – and their doctors- were quite worried about our chances before they met us. We think that is why our parents always call u us their little miracles!

As we get ready to celebrate our 10th birthday, we wanted to do something extra special to commemorate all the birthdays that might never have occurred without our heroes. Like most twins, we do everything together, so we are teaming up and want you to help us make sure that the next 1,500 babies can receive the same specialized, high-quality medical care we received. We ask all of you to think like our NICU parents and celebrate all milestones-- big and small --by donating $10 in honor of our birthday- or even more! - to support the Kim & Steven Ullman NICU. Will you join us?”

Gavin & Gabriel León

Kim & Steven Ullman NICU

Donate HERE!

Meet Courtney White, Clinical Nurse Manager for the Kim & Steven Ullman NICU, Center for Women and Newborn and Lactation

Q: How long have you worked at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital?

A: I have worked at Henry Mayo since February of 2015. I originally started as a Labor and Delivery nurse on the night shift.

Q: For someone who doesn’t work in a Hospital, can you describe what you do?

A: I run the operations of our units. This includes things like staffing the units, managing the budgets for the units, making sure we have up to date policies and procedures, and supporting our staff on a daily basis. I work for our staff and our patients, so I will wear whatever hat is needed that day.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

A: It is extremely hard to pick just one thing, but I have to say that there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a healthy baby go home to their family. There is nothing better than the smiles on those parents’ faces when they all get to go home together.

Q: Why is it important that Henry Mayo has a NICU?

A: The NICU is such a special place! It’s filled with the most dedicated people who will do anything needed for these babies, they really advocate for their patients and take such great care of everyone who enters. This is such a wonderful service that we are able to provide to the community. Having a NICU means that we are able to care for our most delicate of patients and give them a head start to a healthy life. Having a NICU means that your babies are in safe hands.