Galway Infants Raise Thousands for Neonatal ICU

A pair of one-year-old infants have raised thousands for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University Hospital Galway.

AJ Moran and Dylan Browne raised approximately €7,300 towards a family room at the NICU. The money was raised through a fundraiser organised by AJ’s parents, Jessica Galligan and Tony Moran, and Dylan’s parents, Anne McLoughlin and Billy Browne.

Dylan spent a month in the care of doctors and nurses at the NICU last year. He was transferred there after being born at 32 weeks’ gestation weighing 3 pounds 12oz in the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.

AJ spent a total of five weeks at the NICU after being born in the National Maternity Hospital at 28 weeks’ gestation weighing 2 pounds 11 oz.

"During the time we spent in the NICU in Galway, both myself and Anne recognised the need for a family room which would give parents a space to take much-needed respite during the long difficult days on the unit," Jessica Galligan said of the need for the family room.

"Both our families will be forever grateful," Anne Mcloughlin said. "The boys are now happy, healthy one-year-olds who are full of mischief."

The money was presented to NICU staff Dr Johannes Letshwiti, Irene Glynn and Anne Duignan.