MONTEFIORE ST. LUKE’S CORNWALL CELEBRATES THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY OF NICU GRADUATES

NEWBURGH, NY (August 22, 2026) – More than 225 former patients, family members, and staff gathered to celebrate the Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall (MSLC) Elaine Kaplan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at its 29th Annual NICU Graduate Birthday Party, held August 22 at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center.

Since 1997, the Elaine Kaplan NICU has provided specialized care for premature infants and newborns with a variety of medical conditions, including respiratory disorders, infections, birth defects, and growth restrictions. Named in honor of the late philanthropist Elaine Kaplan, the Level II NICU offers advanced neonatal services and transports critically ill newborns from hospitals lacking specialized neonatal care. Located in the same building as the Birthing Center, the NICU provides MSLC families with peace of mind, knowing that expert neonatal care is readily available whenever it is needed.

The annual celebration was organized by the MSLC Foundation team in collaboration with the MSLC Foundation Ambassadors, co-chaired by Jill Cappa and Rosemary Mandell. The Ambassadors are a dedicated group of volunteers who support Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall through fundraising, community outreach, and advocacy.

“This is one of the events we look forward to most each year because it gives us the opportunity to reconnect with so many of our NICU graduates and their families,” said Dr. Prabhaker Kocherlakota (Dr. KP), Medical Director of the Elaine Kaplan NICU, who has been part of the unit since its opening. “Our top priority is providing the highest quality care to our patients while supporting families during what can be a very challenging time. Seeing these children healthy, thriving, and surrounded by loved ones is truly an honor.”

The food, entertainment, and venue were generously donated by local businesses and community members, including: the Kaplan Family, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Billy Joe’s Ribworks, Cappa Podiatry, the City of Newburgh Police and Fire Departments, DJ Echo, Dr. Prabhaker Kocherlakota (Dr. KP), GlacierPoint Enterprises, MSLC Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, the MSLC Food and Nutrition Department, Pete’s Hot Dogs, Rockland Bakery, Stewart’s Shops, Tony’s Newburgh Lunch, and the Town of Newburgh Ambulance Corps.

“This event means so much to our hospital and the families we serve,” said Margaret Allers, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer. "Watching so many of our former patients grow into healthy children, young adults, and thriving members of our community is the greatest reward for all of us.  We are honored to care for our community’s most vulnerable critically ill newborns with access to exceptional neonatal care close to home. We are grateful to the families who allowed us to be part of their journey.”

To learn more about The Kaplan Family Birthing Center and the Elaine Kaplan NICU, please visit www.montefioreslc.org/our-services/birthing-center/.