When Allison and Anthony Arias arrived at Comer Children’s Hospital for the scheduled labor induction for their son’s birth at 39 weeks due to concern over his growth, they could never have anticipated the whirlwind of emotions and challenges that would unfold over the next couple of days.
Knowing it was going to be a complex delivery, Comer Children’s medical team had already prepared a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team, ensuring immediate support in case complications arose—a decision that would prove crucial.
Their son, Gibson, was born and rapidly required life-saving NICU care. He was admitted to the NICU where he received critical treatments to protect his heart, lungs and brain during this important time. For the Arias family, the first three days were especially filled with worry and uncertainty.
“The NICU team not only saved our son’s life, they also gave Anthony and me so much comfort as we navigated this overwhelming experience. They made it manageable for both of us,” said Allison Arias.
During Gibson’s hospitalization, Allison was able to stay at the nearby Ronald McDonald House, allowing her to visit him whenever she needed. This support provided the Arias family with some much-needed space to breathe during such a trying time.
The NICU nurses played an invaluable role in the Arias family’s journey. Each nurse offered a personal touch, from noting that Gibson had “happy feet” to gently swaddling him while he was receiving intensive therapies.
“They invested in our son just as much as we invested in him. At a time when we were grasping for any sign of hope, the nurses brought that human touch. The doctors checked on Gibson several times a day, every day. The care we received was beyond anything we could have imagined,” said Anthony Arias.
Today, Gibson is a healthy one-year-old, having met every milestone set for his age. The compassion and hands-on care Gibson received from the NICU team, as well as their support for Allison and Anthony, inspired the couple to give back by donating to neonatology at Comer Children’s.
“Seeing the incredible work done in the NICU opened our eyes to its needs. It’s hard to imagine a greater impact than what these healthcare professionals make,” said Anthony.
In addition to their donation, the Arias family arranged a corporate match to further support Comer Children’s Hospital. They are committed to continuing their support in any way they can.
“If there’s any job that can truly be called ‘God’s work,’ it’s the work done by NICU staff. We’re so grateful for the people who choose to dedicate themselves to this life-saving care,” said Allison.
Through their generosity and gratitude, the Arias family is helping to ensure that future families will receive the same exceptional care that saved their son’s life.
