Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center held its annual neonatal intensive care unit reunion Saturday. Parents and children get to meet with the NICU staff that took care of them.

  • Family reunites with NICU staff who cared for preemie son
  • Liam Ash, 8, was born three months early
  • Ash family attended neonatal intensive care unit reunion Saturday

One of the families was the Ash family. Eight year-old Liam Ash was born three months early and weighed just more than two pounds. He was at the NICU for three months.



Father Ken Ash said the NICU staff was always very supportive.

"When we would come into see him you know they would tell us about little milestones or hurdles. You know he's made it to this point. This is good,” he said.



"You spend three months and they are caring for your child,” said mom Katie Ash. “I mean you just develop a real close bond with them immediately because you are putting all your faith and trust in them."

The Ash family got to meet with Dr. Mark Preziosi, the neonatologist who oversaw Liam’s care. He has worked in the NICU for 25 years and really enjoys the reunions.

"Not all of them turn out perfect but when you get back and they are real intelligent and smart that what we are shooting for,” he said.