Bundles of joy - and cash - for moms, babies at Northwest Community Hospital

Nine families of babies born at Northwest Community Hospital on Thursday, May 3, were surprised by the fact that in addition to their new bundles of joy, they got a big bundle of cash from Fifth Third Bank. Every baby, in celebration of the bank's name, received $1,053 to open a 529 savings account. Each family also received a box containing a children's book about money management, an abacus, a piggy bank and gift cards. The bank also "delivered" a onesie to each baby reading "Born on 5/3."

"Giving birth is such an exciting time for all the new parents and receiving the generous gifts was a pleasant surprise," says Nenette Cacal, Clinical Nurse manager for the Women and Infants Unit at Northwest Community Hospital.

The first baby born at Northwest Community Hospital on May 3 was Jesus (9 pounds, 20 inches long) who arrived at 1:41 a.m. to parents Ariana and Gerardo. Jesus was delivered by Dr. Erwin Szela. At 1:44 a.m., Dominic (7 pounds, 5 ounces, 20.5 inches long) was born to parents Meghan and Tom, delivered by Dr. Randy McCool. At 1:58 a.m., Malachi (7 pounds, 3 ounces, 20 inches long) was born to parents Mark and Rochelle. Malachi was delivered by Dr. Szela.

"It's never too early to start saving for college," says Dominic's mom, Meghan, who was happy to receive the gift from Fifth Third Bank. Dominic is Meghan's third child, so she knows a thing or two about preparing for her children's future education.

The rest of the parents shared Meghan's enthusiasm.

"As we rounded on the parents who participated, they were thrilled to be a part of the Fifth Third Babies Initiative," Cacal says. "The parents were very thankful to Fifth Third Bank for the opportunity."

A total of 20 Chicago-area hospitals participated in the Fifth Third Bank Initiative.

"I can think of no better way to celebrate Fifth Third Day than to recognize the newest members of our community," says Eric S. Smith, Fifth Third Bank's Chicago Region President. "We are thrilled to be among the first to welcome our future community leaders, business owners, teachers and the like."

See more pictures on the Northwest Community Healthcare Facebook page at facebook.com/NCHonline.

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