In L+M’s renovated NICU family room are (l-r): Kathy Greene, president of the Auxiliary of L+M Hospital, Rich Lisitano, L+M Hospital president, and interior designer Sheri Giancarlo, who donated her time to help with the room’s makeover.
A family waiting room in L+M’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been renovated thanks to the Auxiliary of L+M Hospital, turning what was once little more than “a closet with fluorescent lighting” into a welcoming space, with soft lighting, seating for up to eight, a refrigerator, microwave – and even a journal for family members.
Funding came from a generous bequest from Shirley Folbrecht, a lifetime Auxiliary member and volunteer who wanted her gift to help families at L+M.
“This seemed like the perfect way to use a portion of Shirley’s bequest,” said Kathy Greene, Auxiliary president. “Families with a baby in the NICU are under so much stress and anxiety, they often don’t even want to go as far as the cafeteria. To be able to eat in the room, be comfortable and decompress will be so helpful.”
Rich Lisitano, L+M president, pitched the renovation idea to the Auxiliary after Kristen Fulton, RN, NICU nurse manager, said they hoped one day to renovate the space.
“We could not be happier with how it turned out,” Fulton said. “It is a nice quiet, calm place for families to unwind and process information they may have just received about their babies. They can have lunch or even meet other families.”
Fulton said one of her favorite additions is the journal, where families can write words of encouragement to help each other through their NICU journeys.
Local interior designer Sheri Giancarlo donated the journal as well as her time and talent to create the room’s new ambiance, including details such as a rounded piece of art that looks like a window view on New London’s iconic Ledge Light lighthouse. Other touches include original local art by Joyce Therieault of Joy Art, and a high-top counter donated by Yankee Remodeler of New London. Nutmeg Building and Remodeling of Ledyard helped with painting, and the L+M Facilities team helped with electrical work and other details.
During a recent visit to the room, Giancarlo read aloud a journal entry by the grandmother of a recent NICU baby: “One day you’ll look back and realize just how brave you and your baby were in this season. Until then, take it one heartbeat, one breath, one moment at a time. We are extremely grateful for the NICU staff who lovingly cared for our granddaughter… Your care and love for each baby does not go unnoticed.”
