A story that will warm your heart just in time for Valentine’s Day!

A special day for little Makayla Howard and her family, when she was finally able to go home after being in the IU Health Arnett Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the first two months of her life.

Makayla and family celebrated their last day in the NICU with her very own graduation ceremony, completed with a little cap and gown!

Makayla made her debut into the world at 29 weeks. Born 11 weeks early, weighing in at only 3 lbs 3 oz, Makayla needed some help from our NICU team to help her grow stronger and healthier. Now at 37 weeks, and 6 lbs 1 oz, she is happy, healthy and ready to go home. Team members lined the hallways to help celebrate this success!

The adorable cap and gown were hand cut, stitched and sewn by Girl Scout Troop 3556. They got the wonderful idea from their troop leader and one of our own, Amy Corbett, a NICU nurse at IU Health Arnett Hospital. Amy also worked with the IU Health Foundation to help continue funding materials for the caps and gowns for our future graduates. She even worked with Gigi’s Cupcakes and Project Sweet Peas to donate some goodies and sweet treats for the celebration. A huge thank you to all who helped us and will continue to help celebrate our youngest patients!

Watch the video on our Facebook page.