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Unsung Heroes At Children's Hospital Give Infants The Give Of Life

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - There are some incredible people giving the gift of life in Colorado. They really are unsung heroes in the community -- they work 24/7, 365 days a year, each day showing their care, commitment and devotion to little bundles of joy who are fighting for their lives.

Tubes in their noses, wires taped to their chests and surrounded by machines. It's hardly how the little ones and their parents planned on spending the holidays. But the babies all have a fighting chance thanks to the amazing care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Children's Hospital.

"We have everything from patients who are very critically ill and we have to do everything for them and for patients who aren't as sick we're supporting their families to help teach them how to care for their child; teaching them how to feed them, teaching them how to give any complex care that they may need," NICU nurse Katie Hamilton said.

Without the nurses the families may lose what's most precious to them.

"I think it's just one of those things you just do when you take the time at the end of the day or periodically time to reflect on that, but it can be kind of overwhelming to think about what we actually do and how much responsibility we have for tiny little lives," Hamilton said.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's -- morning, noon, or night -- the devoted team is there to help.

Gloria Bencze has been at Children's for 35 years.

"The babies are what I've always wanted to do. I can't imagine any other area of nursing that I'd want to work in," Bencze said.

For parents, the trying times are made much easier thanks to the loving hands of the NICU team.

"The care team is wonderful; the doctors, the nurses, the therapists take wonderful care of our son," a mother told CBS4.

"They are so supportive and always have a smile on their face sometimes when I need one, I love them," another mother said.

CBS4's Ed Greene knows first-hand just how truly wonderful the NICU people are. Over 30 years ago he did a story on a little girl named Allison -- -Greene's daughter.

"That's right. Over 30 years ago they helped out my little girl.. If you have a little something extra, you may want to think about helping out Children's Hospital," Greene said.

Those who would like to make a donation should visit The Children's Hospital website.

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