The Community Unites for MoBap NICU Renovation and Expansion
Event chairs from left, Roy and Lisa Kramer and Arica and Steven Harris.
On September 14, 190 guests came together at Barnett on Washington for “There’s No Place Like Home” to support the renovation and expansion of the Missouri Baptist neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The land of Oz–themed event, co-chaired by Arica and Steven Harris and Roy and Lisa Kramer, raised over $550,000. The night was filled with friendship, stories and a shared commitment to supporting the lives of the tiniest patients and their families.
Meeting the Needs of MoBap’s Youngest Patients
Each year on average, 3,600 babies are born at MoBap, and about 15% of them are admitted to the NICU at MoBap. Once there, leading specialists in premature and high-risk birth from WashU and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country, work together to offer patients and families exceptional care and support.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
Arica Harris explains why supporting the NICU renovations is so important to her. “Investing in our
children’s future and supporting our community are causes close to my heart. The NICU renovations will create a welcoming space where babies can grow and help families during a worrisome and often traumatic time so they can go home together.”
Creating a Family-Centered Environment
The plans include creating a family-centric, modernized and expanded NICU with an enhanced clinical environment. It will also feature private rooms, allowing parents to sleep or “room-in” with their infants, which increases infant bonding, breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact and provides a supportive environment for both babies and parents.
A Home-Like Atmosphere for Healing
According to WashU neonatologist and chief of newborn medicine at MoBap Barbara Warner, MD, the new MoBap NICU will create a home-like atmosphere, easing the stress many parents face while ensuring their newborns receive the individualized care they need.
A Commitment to Compassionate Care
Lisa Kramer emphasizes the importance of this renovation. “When I think of MoBap, I think of extraordinary care and compassion. Most parents-to-be don’t anticipate a NICU stay, and touring the NICU made me realize how much families need a friendly, private and comfortable environment during such a critical time.”
Her husband, Roy Kramer, added, “Through my involvement on the Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation board, I’ve seen firsthand the passion and dedication of the doctors and administration. They are always looking for ways to improve, and this NICU renovation is evidence of a shared commitment to provide excellent health care.”
Families Share Their Stories of Hope
During the fund-the-need portion of the event, three families whose children are NICU graduates shared their stories. Their experiences highlighted the role the NICU plays in providing exceptional care during some of the most challenging times for families.
With plans in place, construction of the new NICU will begin in 2026.
During the event, three families shared their personal NICU journeys.
When they needed it the most, the Nahliks found care and compassion in the MoBap NICU.
“They sensed our fear and were calm, attentive and honest with us. The NICU staff was amazing in both their care and compassion for our girls. We’re forever grateful.”
Ellen and Rob Nahlik, parents of twins
The Lancasters gained the support and guidance they needed in the NICU.
“We are so thankful to the doctors, nurses and staff at MoBap for their support and guidance as we navigated the NICU journey. I feel like my babies were in the best hands at Missouri Baptist's NICU.”
Abigail and Jeremy Lancaster, parents of quadruplets
To the Sappersteins, the MoBap NICU made a world of difference.
“During the hardest moments, the NICU staff knew how to support us, including being a shoulder to cry on. We've never forgotten how much that meant to us. The kindness we experienced made all the difference in the world.”
Sarah and Andrew Sapperstein, parents of twins
Douglas Copeland
Charles Houska, Adam Day, Ashley Hever and Ted Wight
Jeff Kapfer and Dr. David Sewall
James and Lesley Shekelton
Linda and Bart Haberstroh
Dr. Barbara Warner and Emcee Rene Knott
Mark Ellebrecht, Alisse Camazine, Tammi Laiderman and Steve Laiderman
Rod McCann and Cindy and Kurtis Reeg
Kelly Webb and Andy Arnold
Charlotte and Joe Moro