The Association
The “Miracle Babies” Association is a non-governmental organization, member of the European Federation for the care of the EFCNI (European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants). It was established at the beginning of 2015, having as its pioneer Mrs Stella Kyriakidou and led by a small initiative group consisting of parents, grandparents and friends who experienced prematurity.
The Scientific Advisor is Dr Christina Karaoli, former Director of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and Professor of Neonatology at the University of Nicosia.
Moreover, the Association maintains a close relationship and cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the SHSO (State Health Services Organization) and the medical and nursing personnel of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Today, we make a promise to every premature baby, to every miracle baby: to make their world a better place!
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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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
Claire Hadjigeorgiou
Rev. Secretary
Despo Hadjianastasiou
Members
Despo Lefkariti
Nora Dikaiou
Christina Mylona Parparinou
Ioanna Fiakkou
Substitute Members
Alexis Yiannas
Nicos Giorgallas
Demetra Eleftheriou
Athina Kythreotou
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
