Santa visits NICU at Baptist Health Lexington
Long-time volunteer fills the role, another volunteer makes hats for babies
NICU nurse Carol McGonigal stands beside Jack Patterson as Santa. McGonigal crocheted Christmas tree hats for the babies of the NICU.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — Santa made a special trip to the NICU at Baptist Health Lexington, spending time with children, families, and the staff. Volunteer Jack
NICU baby Hunter wears a Christmas tree hat at Baptist Health Lexington
Patterson, 83, dressed as Santa, held the children and shared words of hope and encouragement
“I try to do what I can to comfort them and to bring a little joy to them. I’m doing something that the Lord would want me to do,” said Patterson, who volunteers at the hospital throughout the year.
Babies wore crocheted Christmas tree hats accented with holiday beads, created by NICU nurse Carol McGonigal. She had been working on the hats since July, making 28 hats to give out to all of the babies.
“I bought a pattern from Etsy and taught myself how to make them,” said McGonigal, who has worked at Baptist Health Lexington for 19 years.
“Parents with a baby in the NICU, especially at Christmas time, they’re really struggling,” she said. “It’s not what’s supposed to happen, so they’re dealing with a lot. If they do walk in and see a cute little hat on their baby’s head and it brings a smile to their face, then I’ve done what I intended.”
