The Next Generation, a volunteer organization founded to benefit The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center, is excited to announce its first annual campaign, which focuses on raising funds to purchase a new neonatal critical care ambulance. The “Angel Wings” Campaign is a three year effort to raise $275,000 and will be formally announced at a fundraising gala hosted by the organization on July 18, 2014.

On average, the Memorial Neonatal/Pediatric team transports between 25- 40 premature or critically ill infants six months and younger every single month to the Children’s Hospital at Memorial. The team prides itself on being an extension of the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery (NICN) and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) caring for and transporting infants who are premature or presenting with respiratory problems, cardiac anomalies, sepsis, genetic defects that require surgery, and those who require head cooling or heart/lung support.

"Last year, The Children's Hospital transported more than 300 premature or critically ill babies to our Level III neonatal intensive care nursery from all over the region. These newborns are in a very fragile state. For this reason, many need to be transported in an ambulance equipped with an isolette, specialized equipment, and medications that are sized for their tiny bodies. We have seen first-hand that a neonatal ambulance and transport team can save lives," said Bill Lee, senior vice president, Children’s Hospital.”

The Neonatal/Pediatric transport team and ambulance serves 24 counties in our region and transports to other cities such as Augusta and Atlanta for services not provided in Savannah, which constitutes a lot of travel time and establishes the need for a reliable and specially- equipped neonatal critical care ambulance. According to the Next Generation’s President, Kimberly Pannell, “We have pledged to raise the necessary funds through our Angel Wings Campaign to purchase a neonatal critical care ambulance because we feel it is absolutely vital in providing excellent care to the families in Savannah and surrounding communities. Our organization recognizes the need for a new, state-of-the-art ambulance that essentially provides the community with a NICN on wheels.”

For information on how to donate or become a part of The Next Generation, please contact Kimberly Pannell at [email protected] or Brooks Zeigler, corporate sponsor chair, at [email protected].