HOUSTON (August 03, 2009)

NICU with mascotsChildren's Memorial Hermann Southeast, the neonatal and pediatric service of Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, celebrated the second birthday of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a birthday party featuring food, fun, giveaways and some very special guests.

NICU graduates and their families gathered at the hospital to reconnect with former caregivers and physicians and celebrate the momentous occasion.

"The birthday was an incredible opportunity not only for the families, but for the NICU staff to reconnect with former patients and see them doing well," said Nikole Keenan, director of women and children's services at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. "Often in the NICU environment we only see the patients when they are ill, so it is rewarding to see them happy and healthy."

The party included special appearances by Clutch, the Houston Rockets' mascot, and Topper, the Children's Memorial Hermann mascot.

All guests received a framed keepsake picture from the event. In addition, Clutch autographed copies of his children's books, which are sponsored by the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, and distributed to young guests.

Children's Memorial Herman Southeast offers a dedicated pediatric unit, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a full-time Child Life specialist and access to all the support and resources of Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, including the Children's Transport Team and Memorial Hermann Life Flight. For details, visit our website.