Dedicated to giving back to NICU Expansion

Debra and Craig Moffats’ connection to UNC Children’s began in 2013, when their twins, John and Gene, were born at 29 weeks and spent 50 days in the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In 2014, the Moffats had another son, Aven, who was born at 27 weeks and was cared for in the NICU for 87 days. He also had a cardiac arrest at six months and spent several weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

“When my kids were born, we were in a pod,” Debra said. A pod is an open space for infant care that is shared by several families. “I realized how important having a private room is for the family. We’ve also worked hard on the parent waiting room, making that friendly and inviting and a space to hold activities.”

Unfortunately, Aven developed an illness after swimming in a North Carolina lake. He became the first person ever seen at UNC for Naegleria Fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba that is present in all bodies of freshwater and has a 99% fatality rate.

“Although our youngest son did pass away, because of the care UNC provided we were gifted six unbelievable amazing years with him,” Debra said. “Had the doctors and nurses at UNC not fought as hard as they had, and did everything that they could have, we would not have had that opportunity.”

Debra, who has been involved on the Newborn Critical Care Center Family Advisory Board since 2014, credits the hospital with saving their children’s lives numerous times. She also served on the expansion committee for the new NICU and worked to improve the experience for families that have extended stays at the hospital.

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