Valentine’s memories act of love for CHOC
By Paul Bersebach, The Orange County Register
When a baby’s first Valentine’s Day has to happen in the neonatal intensive care unit, hospital staff bring the red and pink hearts and cupids bedside so parents don’t miss out on a holiday photo shoot with their little loves.
On Wednesday, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) staff in the NICU and the Small Baby Unit were helping families create Valentine’s Day-themed photos to send to relatives and for social media.
“We’re hoping to bring a little bit of joy to the families,” said Diana Hurtado, family support program coordinator at CHOC. For some of these parents, their baby’s stay in the NICU could last anywhere from a few months to eight months or longer. Eighty babies are being treated every day on average at CHOC, officials said.
With a cart full of hearts and other props, Hurtado visited patient rooms, helping parents make a fun memory, despite the hospital tubes and machines.
being prepared to have a Valentine’s Day photo shoot.
PHOTOS BY PAUL BERSEBACH — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Patrick Tejada, his wife Kristal Carranza, and their baby, Patrick Alesandro Tejada, have been at CHOC for nearly two months. Baby Patrick was born with an esophagus condition. Tejada said he appreciated the work of the staff and the break the photo shoot offered.
His son got dressed up in a red flannel shirt and jeans for his photo, smiling as he lay in a basket under a sign spelling out “love.”
“These nurses,” Tejada said, “they’re really a godsend.”
