Golf outing raises $453,586 for Northwest Community Hospital

Net proceeds from Northwest Community Hospital Foundation's 2017 Golf Classic held in July exceeded expectations, with nearly half a million dollars generated for NCH programs and services. The Classic has raised more than $9 million in the 20-year history of the event.

"Proceeds from this year's event will support the tremendous investment in staff, physicians and technology that a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit requires, along with financial assistance for families in need of this life-saving care, but who are unable to afford it," said Dave Ungurean, the foundation's executive director.

State-designated Level III NICUs are able to care for the smallest and sickest of newborn babies.

Board-certified neonatologists and specialists from Ann & Robert H. Lurie's Children's Hospital work alongside neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists 24 hours a day.

A portion of the funds from the Golf Classic will add new technologies to provide even greater connections to specialists that are in high demand while keeping families close to home.

The state-of-the-art NICU at NCH greatly expanded seven years ago, thanks to community support and an estate gift. It has helped thousands of critically ill babies, including Kacie Mormance, who weighed 14 ounces at birth and is the smallest preemie in the 58-year history of the hospital.