Thursday, June 09, 2022
Anthony and Marcia Battaglia donate primary gift to support Troy NICU
For Melissa and Jeremy Livingston of Troy, getting pregnant took two-and-a-half years.
They eventually consulted an endocrinologist who coordinated Intrauterine Insemination and, to the couple’s delight, they found success on their second attempt.
From there, the bulk of Melissa’s pregnancy unfolded smoothly: she was tired, of course, but did not experience significant morning sickness or other complications.
It wasn’t until late May, when, at 34 weeks gestation, her blood pressure shot up and Melissa was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, a potentially fatal condition for mother and baby.
She was induced shortly afterwards and Roman Michael, which means “strong and powerful gift from God,” was born, May 28, five weeks early at Beaumont Hospital, Troy.
“You never expect to end up in a pediatric ICU; that’s not a part of anyone’s labor and delivery plan,” Melissa said with a laugh. “But, when it happens, the incredible staff here at Troy are ready. I can’t imagine going through something like this without them.”
On June 7, Roman Michael Livingston was the first baby transferred to Troy’s new, 15,000-square-foot Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
With triple the space of the previous NICU, the $8 million facility provides patients and families with greater privacy, comfort and the latest medical innovations.
Now, parents are able to remain at their infant’s bedside 24/7. Each baby room includes a window for natural lighting and optimal healing. A transitional/training room gives parents the space and opportunity to learn how to care for their NICU baby - many of whom need extra support when they go home - under the guidance of Troy’s expert, pediatric nursing team.
“The biggest thing is the privacy,” Melissa said. “With the amount of time NICU families spend on the unit, it’s wonderful to be able to have a private conversation anytime we like. The window is another key feature. It overlooks the golf course and last night we saw the most beautiful sunset.”
Additional features include:
- 25 private and semiprivate rooms with windows, refrigerators and warmers
- Latest monitoring technology which sends significant patient updates directly to patient’s nurse
- Added security measures including secure elevators and later this summer, GPS/wristband tracking for patients
- Milk prep room in which staff can prepare/stock 24 hours’ worth of infant feedings
- Stocked pantry featuring beverages, light snacks and a station where parents can pick up meal trays from the dining room
- Conveniently located parent and staff lounges to keep everybody close and comfortable
- Observation room for newborns who might benefit from a shorter-term stay
- Training and overnight stay rooms
- Exam/procedure room
The Beaumont, Troy NICU was made possible with a generous gift from Anthony and Marcia Battaglia.
“Children have always had a soft spot in our hearts,” Anthony Battaglia said. “Whether they are our own children, grands, or complete strangers. We have always felt the need to help them be the best they can be. And what better place to start than right at the beginning.”
Battaglia is the owner and developer of , a sports entertainment venue in Lake Orion. He retired in 1999 as chairman of the commercial construction firm Cunningham-Limp, which he co-owned since the late 70s. Marcia Battaglia is a retired school teacher and children’s causes are one of her passions.
The complete list of significant Troy NICU donors also includes: William and Sally Wildner, Toth Family Foundation, Francis W. Higgins, Jr., Maria and Mario Moceri, Lisa and Kevin Houle and Family, Drs. Prem and Urmilla Khilanani, Liz and Tim Manganello, Cynthia and Thomas A. Fabbri, Stefan Wanczyk.
“This beautiful new space represents the culmination of a dream that started ten years ago,” said , chief of Pediatric Services, Beaumont, Troy. “We are grateful to be able to support our dedicated and compassionate, expert staff, with a thoughtfully designed, spacious and modern work environment, equipped with the latest technology to improve efficiency and patient care.”