Dignity Health St. Joseph’s celebrates National Superhero Day in nursery ICU

(PHOENIX – April 28, 2023) – They may be tiny but these little superheroes sure are mighty! In honor of National Superhero Day, Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center recognized real-life superheroes: brave babies gaining strength in the hospital’s nursery intensive care unit (NyICU) and their fearless families. On Friday, April 28, some of the tiniest patients in St. Joseph’s NyICU and their parents dressed up as their favorite superheroes.

“Olive is definitely our little superhero,” said Sabrina Hishmeh, mother of the baby girl who is being cared for in St. Joseph’s NyICU. “On days when I feel helpless, I look at her and think of how hard she has fought to be here. She pulls me out of it and keeps me going, because if she can, I can too. She has taught us to be strong, live in the moment and so much more. We are in complete awe of her.”

Baby Olive was disguised as Wonder Woman alongside her mom and dad who have been by their daughter’s side every day. She was born at St. Joseph’s on Dec. 20 at just over 24-weeks gestation. At the time, she weighed only 1.5 pounds. With the love and support of her family, Olive has continued to make major strides and now weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces.

“Our NyICU families are true superheroes,” said Andrea Hassler, director of women and infant services at St. Joseph’s. “It is incredible to watch parents be courageous for their children who are fighting with every ounce of strength their little bodies can muster. Their resilience is nothing short of inspiring.”

St. Joseph’s is home to a Level III NyICU, which means it cares for some of the smallest and most critically ill babies in Arizona. Many of the infants donned their super suits donated by March of Dimes Arizona as part of the special Superhero Day celebration.

Media contact: Abby Kay, [email protected]