INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark is known for her Indiana Fever stardom. But earlier this month, she and Fever Assistant Coach Tully Bevilaqua became stars in the hearts of multiple NICU families at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.
According to a press release, Clark and Beveliaqua introduced themselves to parents, siblings and babies in August when they toured both floors of the hospital's NICU. Clark even had the chance to help a NICU baby's sister practice her basketball skills and celebrate with a family as they prepared to head home after 40 days.
Hand-signed basketballs were also given out at the event, which also included each NICU baby's footprints.
"Me and [Coach] Tully had a really good time meeting [the babies'] families, their siblings and for me it was my first ever time in a NICU," Clark said. "A first for everything and it definitely won't be my last. We had a blast and hopefully we'll be back soon."
Bevilaqua shared Clark's sentiments, reflecting on the fact that her son was born in that very same hospital. "I'm a parent and there's no way I can even begin to imagine what the parents are going through—but the strength of them and the support they get from the staff...you just hear it from them," she said. "They're like an extended family for them. It's just amazing."
Ascension St. Vincent, which Peyton Manning Children's Hospital is under, has recently announced its plans for expansion. This fall, it will open a new Women and Infants Hospital, which will expand the Level IV NICU to 109 private rooms. A press release also reported that the expansion will include central Indy's first couplet care rooms, which will keep mothers together with their babies.