Chris and Raisa Keeney’s journey through parenthood has been one of profound joy and deep sorrow. At the end of April 2023, Raisa was hospitalized at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital with a twin pregnancy. On May 4th, just shy of 31 weeks, she delivered two beautiful baby boys, Benjamin and Nicholas. Their premature arrival meant an immediate stay in the hospital’s NICU, where they received exceptional care from a team of dedicated professionals.
The Keeneys were met with both unimaginable grief and overwhelming love. Nicholas, a fighter from the start, was off oxygen in less than 12 hours and went home after five weeks. Tragically, Benjamin passed away after just three days. The weight of such loss, coupled with the joy of bringing a baby home, was nearly indescribable.
Yet, throughout it all, the Fairview NICU staff became more than caregivers; they became family. From the attending physicians to the housekeepers, everyone supported Chris and Raisa with compassion, answering their questions, holding space for their grief, and providing unwavering support. The social workers ensured that logistical details, such as handling Benjamin’s death certificate, were taken care of seamlessly, allowing the couple to focus on healing.
Their connection to Fairview NICU did not end there. When Chris and Raisa welcomed their daughter, Lucy, on January 17, 2025, via a scheduled C-section, the NICU team promised to be there. Amanda, a NICU nurse who had become a cherished part of their lives, along with others, stood ready – just in case. Their presence was a testament to the bond forged through those difficult days.
Leaving Nicholas in the NICU for five weeks required a deep trust, but every caregiver treated him as their own. Raisa even resisted moving to the fourth floor when Nicholas was ready. She wanted to stay in the NICU, where they had felt like a family of four, if only for a short time. Nurse manager Julie Gamary made sure they could remain there, honoring their grief and their healing process.
Today, Nicholas is a thriving NICU graduate, hitting all his milestones. Chris and Raisa remain forever grateful for the care they received. The staff at Fairview Hospital are more than medical professionals – they are guardian angels. Their words, actions, and dedication are nothing short of God’s work.
The Keeneys find healing in sharing their story and keeping Benjamin’s memory alive. Attending events like Gift of Life has reinforced their belief that the Fairview NICU is more than a medical unit – it’s a family. Even a year later, nurses remember them and Benjamin, a reminder that their son’s short life had a lasting impact. Despite their loss, Chris and Raisa consider themselves fortunate to have had such an extraordinary team by their side. The NICU at Fairview Hospital is not just a place of medical care. It is a place of love, compassion, and unwavering support, where families like the Keeneys find strength even in their darkest moments.
Join us at Gift of Life on August 12 to support families like the Keeneys. Click here for more details.