FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital Celebrates NICU Graduates at Annual Bayou Bash Reunion

April 21, 2026

LAFAYETTE, LA - On Sunday, April 19, FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital welcomed NICU graduates, their families and care teams to Moncus Park for its annual Bayou Bash NICU Reunion, a joyful afternoon celebrating resilience, hope and the lasting bonds formed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Families enjoyed snacks, games and activities throughout the park, including time at the splash pad, while reconnecting with the physicians, nurses and team members who supported them during some of their most challenging days. For many families, the reunion offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how far their children have come and to celebrate milestones together.

Beyond the afternoon activities, families reconnected with more than 40 NICU physicians, nurses, and care team members who played a role in their child’s journey. The reunion brought together over 65 families and 75 NICU graduates, offering a powerful reflection of how far these children have come.

Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital is home to Acadiana’s Level III Surgical NICU, caring for more than 600 babies each year. With more than four decades of experience serving the region’s most fragile patients, the NICU combines advanced medical expertise with compassionate, family centered care.

“This reunion is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the lasting relationships formed in our NICU. Seeing our graduates healthy and thriving brings our care teams so much joy and reinforces the importance of keeping families at the center of everything we do,” said Alesha Alford, vice president of women’s and children’s services. “Moments like these remind us that our calling doesn’t end at discharge — it continues as we walk with families through every stage of their journey.”

Earlier this year, the hospital completed a significant expansion of its NICU, increasing capacity to 60 beds. The expanded unit includes 19 private family suites and two rooms designed specifically for twins, creating a more personalized and supportive environment that keeps families close to their babies during critical moments of care.

In addition to celebrating graduates, the reunion reflected Our Lady of Lourdes’ ongoing commitment to walking alongside families well beyond a hospital stay — extending care, connection and compassion into the community.

Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital plans to continue hosting the NICU Reunion each year. Families of NICU graduates who were unable to attend this year and would like information about future reunions can email Communications.Lourdes@fmolhs.org.