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Photos: NICU reunion brings former patients, families back to Children's of Mississippi

Published on Monday, June 29, 2026

Photos By: Melanie Thortis/ UMMC Communications

Laughter, hugs and heartfelt reunions filled Children's of Mississippi as former neonatal intensive care unit patients reunited with the physicians, nurses and staff who cared for them.

Ransom Paul, 4, alongside his family, jumps for joy with Ann Skelton, program director of mental health services, during the bean bag toss at the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Ransom Paul, 4, alongside his family, jumps for joy with Ann Skelton, program director of mental health services, during the bean bag toss at the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Makenzie Rucker ,3, celebrates NICU reunion day with her parents, Pam and Malcolm Rucker, and brother, Tylen Jones. Makenzie spent two months in the NICU at the children’s hospital.
Makenzie Rucker ,3, celebrates NICU reunion day with her parents, Pam and Malcolm Rucker, and brother, Tylen Jones. Makenzie spent two months in the NICU at the children’s hospital.
Former NICU patient Abe Malouf is all smiles with his parents, Sarah and Matt Malouf, at the circus-themed NICU reunion.
Former NICU patient Abe Malouf is all smiles with his parents, Sarah and Matt Malouf, at the circus-themed NICU reunion.
Daniel Lee, 5, makes friends with Children's therapy dog, Hollywood, during the NICU reunion.
Daniel Lee, 5, makes friends with Children's therapy dog, Hollywood, during the NICU reunion.
Emersyn Bracknell, 3, gets help from School of Nursing student Courtney Bilbro during the dunk contest part of the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Emersyn Bracknell, 3, gets help from School of Nursing student Courtney Bilbro during the dunk contest part of the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Families reunite with caregivers during the UMMC NICU reunion at Children's of Mississippi.
Families reunite with caregivers during the UMMC NICU reunion at Children's of Mississippi.
Jentri Stewart, 1, and her mother, Shay Odems, enjoy some popcorn during the NICU Reunion at the children's hospital.
Jentri Stewart, 1, and her mother, Shay Odems, enjoy some popcorn during the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Former NICU patient Morgan Adams, 11, gets her face painted during the carnival-themed NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Former NICU patient Morgan Adams, 11, gets her face painted during the carnival-themed NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Five-month-old Haidynn Ricks and her mother, Sherry Ricks, are all smiles during the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Five-month-old Haidynn Ricks and her mother, Sherry Ricks, are all smiles during the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer, and Stephen Wray, Children's critical care transport RN, greet patients entering the student union for the NICU reunion.
Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer, and Stephen Wray, Children's critical care transport RN, greet patients entering the student union for the NICU reunion.
Dr. Bolaji Famuyide, chief of pediatric neonatology, poses with Tyanna Williams and her daughters, Taylyn Williams, 9, who spent almost a year in the NICU at Children's, Tarozi and Tyli Williams at the NICU reunion.
Dr. Bolaji Famuyide, chief of pediatric neonatology, poses with Tyanna Williams and her daughters, Taylyn Williams, 9, who spent almost a year in the NICU at Children's, Tarozi and Tyli Williams at the NICU reunion.
Junior Lovette, 1, reunites with Dr. Mary Kosek, professor of pediatric neonatology, during the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Junior Lovette, 1, reunites with Dr. Mary Kosek, professor of pediatric neonatology, during the NICU reunion at the children's hospital.
Amanda Prince, an RN in the NICU, and Ace Brown, 1, have some fun fishing during the NICU reunion.
Amanda Prince, an RN in the NICU, and Ace Brown, 1, have some fun fishing during the NICU reunion.
Dr.Bolaji Famuyide, Chief of pediatric neonatology and former NICU patient Morgan Adams reunite for a photograph at the children's hospital's NICU reunion.
Famuyide and Morgan reunite for a photograph at the children's hospital's NICU reunion.