By PAM SCHIFF

Time can literally stand still when someone tells you there is something medically wrong with your baby. For Warwick dad Matt Patty, 40, his whole life and world were turned upside down when he was told his baby girl was born prematurely.

Kaia was born at only two pounds, five ounces. She was delivered at 25 weeks -- almost four months early.

"She spent 100 days in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). It was the time in my life that formed me as a person, and I started real estate school when she was in the hospital. And during that time, I was unbelievably grateful for the single room NICU, what the nurses, doctors and staff did for my daughter and our family and without that hospital, probably nothing we have today in business would be possible.  So for that reason, I am highly dedicated to giving back to the hospital," Patty said.

On June 11, 2022, the annual Women & Infants Gala will be held to raise much needed funds for a new Labor and Delivery Center at W&I.

"The new Labor and Delivery Center will offer our patients an up to date environment that meets the birthing needs of our community. This is vital, as our current LDC is nearly 35 years old. Women & Infants delivers 80 percent of Rhode Island children, with nearly 8,500 infants born every year at the hospital," said gala chairperson Nicole Purcell, Philanthropy Officer, Annual Giving at women & Infants.

The Women & Infants Hospital Gala has been held for more than 15 years, with a goal this year of raising $400,000 for the new Labor & Delivery Center at the Hospital.

"To date, we’ve raised over $275,000. We expect 400 guests and have plans for an auction and fund a need at the event. We have major sponsors including Jack & Judi Remondi, Heather Campbell, Atlantic Management Corporation, Webster Bank, Malcolm Chace, Southeastern New England Women’s Healthcare, Hinckley Allen and the Women & Infants Medical Staff Association. Entertainment at the event will be provided by Ten31 Productions, Boston Circus Guild, and music by Alexus Lee and her band," Purcell said.

The hospital’s talented and dedicated team of physicians, nurses, midwives and other caregivers is steadfastly focused on continuing to improve the lives of patients and families through exceptional care, research, education and innovation.

"The existing labor and delivery suite at Women & Infants Hospital has served our region for 35 years, but with changing patient needs and updated medical standards a new, larger, better-designed birth center is urgently needed. With the support of our community, we will create an exceptional environment that improves clinical care and patient safety, exceeds patients expectations and integrates the most advanced processes, technologies and equipment available anywhere," Purcell said.

Patty's particular story started with their Labor and Delivery Center and then the NICU.

"This is a huge personal mission for me tied to a hugely successful annual fundraising event that historically raises between $300-500,000 for various needs of the hospital.  The new labor and delivery center will be an amazing resource at one of the finest hospitals in the world. 

It's a big honor and responsibility to be in my position this year, I am thankful for Nicole who enables me to handle it professionally in the first place," Patty said.

Over past years the Gala has raised funds for various services and programs at the hospital. Those funds have been used to improve patient care and outcomes and bolster the essential services they provide.

"Over time I have realized how much impact we can have on the families that have extended stays at the hospital and I've also learned about how philanthropy really drives the innovation and progress at the hospital. My daughter has grown into a healthy, beautiful 12-year-old girl, and it's one of my life goals to do as much as I can to repay the hospital for what they gave to me. Combined with knowing how much this means to future children and families who will be born there with increased chances for more favorable outcomes at one of the first of its kind and best facilities in the entire country," Patty said.

Purcell acknowledged that W&I parents are grateful for the special care their families receive.

"We do not choose parents, but folks like Matt step up to volunteer because of their excellent experience. We have many people who become involved because they had their children with us, because their children received treatment in the NICU – or because they’ve received one of the other essential services we provide (women’s gynecological care, women’s cancer care)," Purcell said.

Women & Infants Hospital 2022 Gala, A Celebration of Mother & Nature will take place Saturday, June 11, 2022, 5:30-9 p.m., at the WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley Street Providence, RI. For more information, contact Special Events Coordinator, Cezarina (Sue) Jackson, at (401) 921-8508, cajackson@carene.org.