The Association
The “Mora Thavmata” (Miracle Babies) Association is a charitable Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Cyprus with the aim of supporting premature newborns, their families, and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). It is a member of the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants. GFCNI advocates for high-quality, accessible care for preterm newborns plus long-term support for families.
The Association was founded in 2015 by a small initiative group that experienced prematurity and the anxiety that accompanies the hospitalization of a newborn in an Intensive Care Unit. Based on this experience, the group’s goal was to offer support and guidance to other families going through the same agony. As they characteristically state:
“It is very important that a parent does not feel alone during this painful experience. That was our first goal.”
The Association maintains close cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY), as well as with the medical and nursing staff of Neonatal Intensive Care Units.
The scientific advisor of the Association is Dr Christina Karaoli, former Director of the NICU and Professor of Neonatology at the University of Nicosia.
Presidents of the Association:
2019 – present: Elena Megalemou Triantafyllides
2015 – 2019: Stella Kyriakidou
Our Vision
To upgrade the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Archbishop Makarios III Hospital to a European Level based on International Standards, so that:
➢ Premature babies have the best possible start in life.
➢ Parents be present at the Unit as many hours as they wish.
➢ The Unit be adequately staffed according to international standards and the personnel work in a healthy, safe and efficient working environment.
Our Goal
- Support and reinforcement of the Neonatal and Premature Intensive Care Unit of the Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia.
- Support and reinforcement of the Neonatal and Premature Intensive Care Unit of Limassol General Hospital.
- Informing and raising awareness of the public on issues related to prematurity.
With every baby, a hope is also born. We want to keep this hope alive!
Association’s important activities
Key Activities of Miracle Babies Association
1. Donation of Architectural, Structural, and Electromechanical Designs to State Health Services Organisation, valued at €200,000. This contribution aims to accelerate the project for upgrading (expanding and renovating) the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Arch. Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia.
June 2024: The foundation stone was laid by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.
2. Purchase and donate a specialized ambulance for newborns, children, and pregnant women, valued at €300,000.
November 2020: The ambulance was officially delivered to the former President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Anastasiades, during a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
3. Support for the NICU at Arch. Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia since 2015
The Miracle Babies Association has been consistently supporting the NICU by donating specialized equipment, such ad:
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Workstation Neonatal Care - Drager babylog €53,550
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Transport Incubator and vertilator €41,650
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Cerebral Function Monitor (CFM) €46,672
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6 CPAP Wilaflow Elite Neonatal Ventilators €70,648
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7 Drager BiliLux LED Phototherapy light Systems €56,000
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NICU Patient Monitor €9,500
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Bloodless Choleerythrometer €7,735
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Vital Signs Monitor with stand €7,366
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20 Incubator covers €6,783
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30 Neonatal Test Lung €,2100
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Powerful Illumination with Advanced LED Technology €2,100
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40 Special pillows for premature babies €2,094
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10 Stethoscopes for premature babies €1,820
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10 Zaky Hands €1,155
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70 Anesthesia silicone masks €960
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Medical Examination light VarioLux with LED technology €890
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260 pacifiers for premature babies €750
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36 Gel pillows for Dandle ROO €590
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8 neonatal Orion laryngoscopes €460
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50 Kessler Rapid Screen Digital Thermometers €360
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10 ROTHO Bath Tubs €263
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83 Reusable Medical Scrub Suits €2,765
4. Support for the NICU at Limassol General Hospital since 2023
The Miracle Babies Association has extended its support to the NICU at Limassol General Hospital, donating specialized equipment such as:
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14 Incubator covers €4,500
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18 Zaky Hands €1,960
5. Providing psychological support to parents
The Association publishes the book/guide titled "The Miracle Baby and His Jοurney" to be donated to the parents whom their babies are hospitalized in the NICU.
6. Public awareness campaigns and events
The Association organizes events and campaigns aimed at educating and raising awareness about prematurity-related issues.
7. Training for NICU staff
The Association funds specialized training in Neonatal Life Support for nursing staff working in the NICU.
The Board of Directors
President
Elena Megalemou Triantafyllides
Vice President
Marina Pilakouta
Treasurer
Yιannos Pirishis
Secretary
Ioanna Fiakkou
Rev. Secretary
Demetra Eleftheriou
Members
Klairi Xatzigeorgiou
Despo Chatzianastasiou
Christina Mylona Parparinou
Nikos Giorgallas
Substitute Members
Aspasia Maragkou Sierepekli
Despo Lefkariti
Athina Kithreotou
Malvina Zachariadou
Greeting from the President
Dear Friends,
I welcome you to the updated website of our Association through which we invite you to know the world of premature babies.
The birth of a child is a joyful event, full of emotion, bliss and happiness. But what happens when that moment comes much sooner than expected; when this new life arrives in the world prematurely?
The unexpected arrival of a baby turns our lives Upside Down! A premature baby’s mother experiences anxiety, worry and tears of pain. Disappointment, despair and dozens of questions. “Will my baby survive? Will my baby be able to live a normal life?”
These life’s little miracles are born fighters and enrich us with strength. We named them Miracle Babies because their survival is a Miracle! Although they came into the world a little “too soon, too small or too sick”, they have stubbornness and a will to live. While growing up, they shall not remember those difficult days and weeks, yet they will hear from everyone around them that they are Miracle Babies who fought and succeeded.
Our principle is that every baby, no matter how small it is born, deserves the best possible start in life. The Miracle Babies have no voice. Their voice is all of us who stand by them and support them with love.
Our mission is that the Miracle Babies have the best living conditions in order to emerge victorious.
Our primary goal is to upgrade the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia to an international level, adequately staffed with specialized personnel.
Our responsibility is to support, inform and guide families experiencing the pre-term birth of a baby; and at the same time, through conferences and events, to raise awareness and to inform society about issues related to Prematurity.
Prematurity may knock on the door of each one of us!
One in ten babies is born Premature!
15,000,000 babies every year worldwide are born Premature!
Help us make their world the way it should be!
With your support, help, sponsorship and love we can do a lot so that all Miracle Babies are discharged from the NICU and successfully pass all stages of development.
I thank, personally and on behalf of everyone, the Medical and Nursing personnel of the NICU for the great work they do and their dedication, and I also thank the people who embraced our Association with love from the very first moment.
Elena Megalemou Triantafyllides
President
