FLINT - Santa Claus came to town early on Wednesday, December 12, visiting many of the patients and family members at the Hurley Medical Center’s Level III NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), the only one of its kind in Genesee County.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas posed for pictures that were later printed and handed to the parents, many of whom were thrilled to celebrate the day with their little ones and the man in the big red suit.

“It was great. We had to hurry because we wanted to be here for this,” said Moira, mother of Rodney Jr., born prematurely at 33 weeks.  “It’s a special day for us. Christmas came December 1st and we already have our present.”

Hurley’s Level III NICU  provides expert and highly-specialized critical care to babies that are born prematurely.

“We have many services that aren’t available anywhere else,” explained interim NICU nurse manager Jennifer Connell-Ishmael, RN. “So for these parents to have these resources close by makes a huge difference."

Stacy, whose son Kenneth was born at 32 weeks weighing just 4 pounds, 9 ounces,   was happy with Hurley’s caring clinical staff and the opportunity to celebrate the holidays.

“Everybody’s been great, working with me and him, and teaching me about preemies,” she said.

Added Stacy, “I think it’s awesome they were able to sit with Santa, and see Santa, and tell him they want to come home for Christmas.”