Philanthropy has just given new hope to some of the most high-risk infants in the Sanford Boekelheide NICU.
Thanks to a generous gift from the Ace Hardware Foundation, the NICU recently installed a new Arctic Sun Temperature Management System to treat infants born with brain injury caused by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
HIE occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen or blood flow for a period of time—often due to complications like cord compression, uterine rupture and other trauma during delivery.
The Arctic Sun system works by cooling the infant’s body a few degrees to help prevent further damage.
“Brain injuries from HIE often result in long-term physical disabilities and cognitive impairment,” explained Sheri Fischer, executive director of Sanford Children’s. “But research shows that whole body cooling within the first six hours of life significantly improves outcomes. Many patients with mild to moderate hypoxic brain injuries are capable of making a full or partial recovery after receiving whole body cooling therapy.”
With the gift from Ace, the hospital was able to purchase the Arctic Sun equipment to replace an older, aging cooling system.
“Not replacing the current machine put us at risk of not having a cooling machine available when a baby needed it,” Sheri said. “We are beyond grateful for the extraordinary support of so many generous partners and donors who help us meet these urgent needs.”
Thank you, Ace
Ace Hardware has long been a proud partner of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals like Sanford Children’s Hospital. From Round Up Campaigns to Bucket Day Sales, our local Ace Hardware stores have always supported Sanford Children’s in a big way.
The recent gift from the Ace Hardware Foundation is yet another way Ace gives back to support local kids and families.
How can you help?
Join our Sweet Dreams campaign! Your support will fund new state-of-the-art Giraffe OmniBeds and more to care for some of the region’s most critically ill and fragile babies at the Sanford Boekelheide NICU.
Learn more about the campaign and what makes our NICU so special at sanfordhealthfoundation.org/sweetdreams.