LOCAL NEWS

St. Mark’s Hospital unveils NICU ‘Hall of Hope’

Sep 30, 2021, 7:43 AM | Updated: Oct 1, 2021, 2:53 pm

MILLCREEK, Utah — Nearly two dozen portraits of former neonatal intensive care unit patients are now hanging in a special hallway at St. Mark’s Hospital.

The photo display, known as the “Hall of Hope,” was unveiled Wednesday and showcases pictures of the young patients holding a photo of themselves when they were in the NICU. Many spent days, weeks or months after birth developing in the unit. The portraits in the hospital display were taken by photographer Randy Despain, owner of Dezember Photography.

The goal of the project is to give hope to current and future NICU parents during a very challenging time watching their sick infants work to get healthy.

Ali and Stephen Thorpe, who live in Sandy, are the parents of three boys who graduated from the NICU at St. Mark’s Hospital in just the past five years.

It’s safe to say the birth of their first son didn’t go as expected, and that was the general theme from then on.

In 2017, at 28 weeks pregnant, Ali Thorpe gave birth to a 2-pound baby boy they named Sawyer.

“He was so tiny,” she explained. “To watch a translucent little child fight for their life every day is something … I can’t really describe the feelings that come with it.”

After spending 66 total days in the NICU, Sawyer was finally able to go home.

Then, in 2019, Ali and Stephen Thorpe were back at St. Mark’s Hospital for another unexpected stay in the NICU with their second baby, Tanner. Tanner was born at 37 weeks.

“He had respiratory problems,” Ali Thorpe said. “His problems were different than Sawyer’s. He was larger, but really struggled breathing.”

After a two-week stay, the two-time NICU parents brought their second son home.

And in January, Thorpe gave birth to the couple’s third NICU son, Parker. She was also 37 weeks pregnant at the time she delivered.

By this time – with three separate NICU stays under their belt – the couple was experienced. The parents had a better idea of the rollercoaster of emotions that inevitably come with time spent in the NICU for families.

“We knew what to expect, which can be a good and a bad thing,” she added, saying they now had a better idea of the challenges they’d face ahead.

Although each circumstance was difficult, the couple says they were glad to have that knowledge with their second and third sons.

“It was hard, but we knew about all the wires and tubes,” Thorpe said.

All three of the Thorpe boys are celebrated in the new hallway display.

“It’s just so emotional to see,” Thorpe said.

The couple said having their boys’ photo on the wall is evidence they’ve made it. They survived.

And, not only is it meaningful for them to see their children’s growth, but they said it means so much that they can give other families hope – to let families know they are not alone.

“These families will get through this,” Thorpe said.

So far this year, St. Mark’s Hospital has treated over 240 NICU patients.

Dr. Justin Stiers, a neonatologist who has worked at the hospital for the past six years, remembers all of the Thorpe boys.

“It’s really nice to reconnect with these patients and families. These families – whether they stay with us for three days or 100 days – become part of our family,” Stiers said.

St. Mark’s Hospital admits between 300-400 NICU babies every year.

Since opening the NICU in 1997, St. Mark’s Hospital has treated over 8,000 NICU babies.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A previous drug bust where authorities found Fentanyl....

Brianna Chavez

DEA says fentanyl seizure on track to surpass last year’s numbers

A troubling trend for law enforcement as the DEA says more fentanyl is making its way to Utah.

4 minutes ago

Tina Gomez was 27 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis....

Emma Benson

‘It’s different every day’: Understanding multiple sclerosis and its prevalence in Utah

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a chance to talk about this neurological condition which affects more than 30,000 Utahns.

14 minutes ago

Hope Hero Foundation Logo on key chain...

Karah Brackin

Utah’s Hope Hero Foundation is saving teen lives

Discover how The Hope Hero Foundation empowers teens and prevents suicide. Be the hero of your own story!

2 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Car fleeing from carjacking attempt rolls and bursts into flames on I-15

A car rolled and burst into flames on the ramp from 201 to Interstate 15  after fleeing from an attempted robbery, police said.

2 hours ago

Caroline Gleich wants to change what a senator should look like...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Caroline Gleich wants to change what people think a senator should ‘look’ like

"I don't look like a U.S. senator." It's a message professional ski mountaineer and Democratic Senate candidate Caroline Gleich has heard often enough as she began her first televised ad of the 2024 cycle by addressing it.

4 hours ago

Loren Richardson shoots video of him snowboarding when a Brighton man confronted him on Feb. 26. Th...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Brighton resident charged with threatening, pointing shotgun at snowboarder

A Brighton man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault and accused of pointing a shotgun at a backcountry skier who went on his property on Feb. 26.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

St. Mark’s Hospital unveils NICU ‘Hall of Hope’