Thanks to Modern Technology and Some Holiday Spirit, New Dad Stationed in Southwest Asia Celebrates Son's Birth at North Shore University Hospital
|
Web Cam Allows Air Force Dad to View Wife’s Delivery from Half-a-World Away…New Parents Are Reconnected Again During Holiday News Conference--- U.S. Air Force Captain Mike Schaefer and his wife Gannon are living proof that miracles do happen during the holiday season. All the “infant-icipating” couple wished for was to be together for the delivery of their first child. But for Captain Schaefer, currently deployed in Southwest Asia, the dream seemed impossible… until a determined staff at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset got involved and helped connect the family from across the globe. Upon hearing the Schaefers’ story, members of the North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Information Services team sprang into action, arranging for a web camera hook-up in Ms. Gannon’s labor-delivery room that enabled Captain Schaefer to witness all the events before, during and after the delivery of son Jackson Jeffrey. Everything was videotaped---from Ms. Schaefer’s arrival at the hospital through her preparation, her time in the operating room, the delivery of her baby by obstetrician Jessica Jacob, MD, and her recovery. And, through it all, Captain Schaefer was with his wife every step of the way.
Like he did during the birth of his son, Captain Schaefer participated in today’s news conference via a live web hook-up from his outpost in Southwest Asia (at the request of the military, his exact location cannot be identified). “It just goes to prove, that holiday miracles can come true,” he said. Captain Schaefer, a survivor of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, is expected to return stateside in early 2009. Meanwhile, Ms. Schaefer and baby Jack are scheduled to leave the hospital today to spend the holidays in Merrick. To see a video of the Schaefers’ story, go to “Video Spotlight” at www.northshorelij.com. About North Shore University Hospital: North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) has New York State’s third-busiest maternity program, delivering more than 5,000 babies annually. NSUH and LIJ Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY are the future homes of the Katz Women’s Hospital. More than $340 million in construction projects at the two campuses will create 161 private patient rooms equipped with amenities to accommodate both patients and family members, and a range of maternity and women’s health services. Media Contact: Michelle Pinto (516) 465-2649 (Cell) 917-327-3898 |
