NICU Preemies Born at Michigan Hospital Say ‘I Do’

Newlyweds born prematurely just days apart at a Michigan hospital celebrated their nuptials by returning to the hospital where their journey began.

Rachel and Hayden both got off to a rocky start, arriving prematurely at Corewell Health Children's Hospital in Dearborn. They were born just days apart and both spent time in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Babies' Moms Form a Bond in the NICU

As their newborn babies struggled to survive and eventually grew stronger in the NICU, their moms formed a bond that could not be broken. It was 28 years ago when Audra Sackey and Sherry Krambeck formed a unique bond and became each other's support system.

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As their babies grew, the two remained good friends, arranging playdates, including each other's children in birthday parties, and attending NICU reunions at the hospital.

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“If you would have seen me as a mother 28 years ago, there was doubt, there was helplessness, there was hopelessness. Now there’s joy,” Krambeck tells WDIV-TV. “And [Audra] was my welcoming committee. She basically showed me the ropes.”

Reunited at Prom

Rachel's family eventually moved to Indiana, but the kid's moms remained close. When Hayden was looking for a prom date, the mothers suggested he ask Rachel - and they began to form another bond that couldn't be broken.

Hayden and Rachel became Mr. and Mrs. Sackey in October of this year. The couple celebrated their nuptials by returning to Corewell Health and honoring the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly today taking care of preemies whose journeys are just beginning.