Record Broken: Cook Children’s NICU Reaches New Milestone with 101 Patients
With the growing community need, support these tiny patients through Cook Children’s Day at the Rodeo.
Reaching New Record
On January 25, Cook Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hit its highest patient volume with 101 babies. Brittany McLaughlin, NICU Director, says this milestone is evidence of the continued growth in our community and its impact on our hospital.
“We are so very grateful to have the unit and resources to care for the infants in the community that need our support,” said McLaughlin. “We wish our services were not needed but we are thankful that we are here to provide for these infants and their families.”
Cook Children’s NICU has 99 private rooms and is the only one in Tarrant County that offers single-patient rooms. With roughly 450 employees, the department is the size of a small hospital in itself.
Support NICU Patients and Families
The milestone coincides with one of the biggest fundraisers supporting Cook Children’s NICU. On Wednesday, January 31, the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo will donate half of all proceeds from tickets to Cook Children’s NICU. 
Stock Show and Rodeo President, Brad Barnes, is proud to be a continuous source of support for Cook Children’s.
“The joy that comes with knowing the children at Cook Children’s will benefit from this special rodeo performance is immeasurable,” he said. “Of all the projects we’re involved with in this wonderful city, hosting Cook Children’s Day stands out among them all. We look forward to seeing Dickies Arena packed for this wonderful event.”
Brittany says if you live in Fort Worth and have never been to the rodeo, now’s the time.
“It's so much fun, and the fact that this night also directly impacts our tiny patients is just the icing on the cake,” she said.
Treasured Partners
The love and support given to the Cook Children’s NICU does not go unnoticed by the staff.
“I can’t express how blessed I feel every day to be able to come to work and have all the resources we need,” says McLaughlin. “It helps us as a staff to focus on what really matters and take better care of our tiny patients.”
“As the only Level IV NICU in Tarrant County, we provide the highest level of care available to the sickest babies in our communities,” said Grant Harris, Chief Development Officer of Cook Children’s Health Foundation. “We hope families never need to visit our NICU, but if they do, partners like the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo help make it possible for their babies to receive world-class care right here in Fort Worth.”
Purchase tickets for Cook Children’s Day at the Rodeo here. Can’t make it to the event? Support Cook Children’s NICU families by making a donation here.
