One of UTMB’s most cherished traditions is the Preemie Reunion, an annual event that brings together former NICU patients, their families, and the care teams who supported them through the earliest and most fragile days of life.
Keleigh Warnke, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, is the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner-in-Chief of UTMB Neonatal Nurseries. Her enthusiasm and pride in the event reflect the deep impact this gathering has not only on families, but also on the dedicated staff who helped nurture these children from the very beginning. Thanks to Dr. Warnke for providing the answers below to shed some light on this special event.
What Is the Preemie Reunion?
The Preemie Reunion is an annual event created to give back to the families of NICU patients and to celebrate the progress of their NICU graduates. Families gather with the healthcare providers who supported them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, sharing hugs, updates, and memories. It’s a chance to honor each child’s achievements post-discharge and reinforce the bonds between families and their caregivers.
A Tradition Born From Compassion
The idea for the Preemie Reunion was first introduced in 2008 by a visionary neonatologist who pitched the concept to a few dedicated nurses. Since then, it has grown into a cherished tradition, with the exception of a brief hiatus from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marked the 15th annual reunion, a testament to the dedication and heart of the NICU team.
A core group of nurses works tirelessly each year to raise funds for the event through bake sales, raffles, and T-shirt sales. Many nurses and nurse practitioners even involve their own families in the celebration, giving them a glimpse into the lives they impact every day.
A Growing Celebration
Held annually on the last Saturday of every April, the reunion draws an average of 30 families each year, many of whom return time and time again. Some of the original NICU graduates are now over 18 years old -- a living reminder of how far these children have come.
Why It Matters
The Preemie Reunion holds deep meaning for the healthcare professionals who volunteer their time and hearts to make it possible. For them, it’s far more than a party -- it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the bonds formed in the most vulnerable of circumstances.
Brittanie Messer, NNP, shares, "Being able to witness the growth that our graduates achieve in their natural environments, outside the NICU, is something beyond amazing!
It’s a living reminder of the hope, resilience, and strength we witnessed in those fragile early days. We see not just the child who fought so hard, but the family who endured, the milestones reached, and the dreams fulfilled. When the kids come back to the reunion, it means everything to us. It’s closure, celebration, and joy all wrapped into one—proof that the care, love, and teamwork mattered."
Aubrey Scarbach, NNP, adds, "Attending the annual preemie reunion holds a special place in our hearts. It gives us the chance to reconnect with the families we supported during some of their most difficult days and to see the incredible progress of the babies we once cared for. Watching them grow into happy, healthy children is both emotional and inspiring. The annual reunion is a powerful reminder of just how strong and resilient these little ones are. It reinforces why we chose this profession and why we’re so passionate about the work we do."
Get Involved
If you’re interested in supporting future Preemie Reunions, we welcome your help! Please contact kawarnke@utmb.edu to learn how you can be part of this meaningful event.
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