September 29^th marked the 4^th annual Walk For Winnie, which was again an outstanding success. Presented by Panera Breadâ and hosted at SeaWorldâ Orlando, more than $145,000 was raised through online fundraising, exceeding this year’s goal. 2,500 people participated in the event including many past Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates and their families, nurses and doctors. 

“Walk For Winnie not only provides the NICU much appreciated support, but it is also a chance for the staff to reconnect with the patients and families who put their trust in us during a very vulnerable time,” explained Dr. Jose Perez, President of Pediatrix Medical Group, A MEDNAX Company. “I look forward to the event every year knowing there is such a positive response and upbeat atmosphere.”

The NICU at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies is the largest single-site NICU in the world and one of the busiest in the country. Thanks to generous support from donors and events like Walk For Winnie, more than 1,400 critically-ill infants are cared for every year, and more than 50,000 have been treated since it was founded at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center in 1975. The facility is equipped to provide the highest-level of care for high-risk newborns, including babies born prematurely, with congenital heart disease, infections or various other serious conditions.

Thanks to many generous sponsors, an additional $122,500 was raised to help the NICU care for even more tiny babies. The top sponsors are listed below.

• Presenting Sponsor- Panera Bread
• Host Sponsor- SeaWorld Orlando
• Opening Ceremony Sponsor- Pediatrix Medical Group, a MEDNAX Company
• Media Partner- 27 Community Connection
• Awards Ceremony Sponsor- JetBlue
• Beverage Sponsor- Coca-Cola Beverages Florida
• Finish Line Sponsor- Southeast Produce Council

To see photos from the event, go to the Flickr album.