Emmett’s Place Provides a Comforting Space for NICU Families

The MVH Foundation has joined with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton and Dr. Derek and Emily Sorensen to create an updated and expanded family room at the Berry Women’s Center at Miami Valley Hospital’s downtown campus. The space is called Emmett’s Place in memory of Emmett Mikael Sorensen who was born prematurely but, sadly, passed away shortly after his birth.

Dr. and Mrs. Sorensen want to ensure Emmett’s short life will have a lasting impact on other families. They decided to celebrate and remember Emmett by providing a warm and inviting area for families to be together during a hospital stay. The renovation project expanded and improved the family space. It will be staffed by clinicians from Ronald McDonald House, an organization that specializes in the special needs of families with critically ill children.

Located adjacent to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Emmett’s Place opened on October 1, 2017. The welcoming and comforting space includes a kitchenette, laundry facilities, a variety of snacks, sleeping rooms for parents and access to the special children’s activity area, Abby’s Nook.

Research shows, proximity during a hospital stay allows better communication between parents and the medical team, and improves adherence to complicated treatment plans. This project is entirely donor-funded and will rely on ongoing community support through the MVH Foundation. If you would like more information, or would like to donate to this exciting family project, please call Beth Hutter at the MVH Foundation office at 937-208-2700.