Annual Read-A-Thon brings books, bonding and a little jungle fun to the hospital's tiniest patients

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Memorial Hospital Miramar's tiniest patients went wild for reading as the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit celebrated its seventh year participating in the Babies with Books Read-A-Thon.

Five NICU babies dressed up for this year's "Wild About Reading" jungle theme, including a lion, zebra, monkey and twin giraffes, while parents, siblings and caregivers gathered at their babies' bedside to read and celebrate the role books can play from the earliest days of life.

The annual Read-A-Thon encourages families to read aloud to babies in the NICU to support early language and brain development, while creating meaningful opportunities for bonding. The celebration can also offer families a moment of joy during what can be a stressful and emotional NICU stay.

For parent Katherine Zaensi, whose daughter was dressed in zebra stripes, that moment was especially meaningful.

"Just having a baby in the NICU is hard … when you come in here and see her dressed up like that, it brings light," Zaensi said.

For Elaine Green, ARNP, nurse practitioner at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, the impact goes well beyond the annual event.

"The Read-A-Thon helps parents realize the importance of reading to their baby, even during this early stage. Just spending 20 minutes a day reading can have a profound impact," Green said. "It also gives parents another meaningful way to actively participate in their baby's care and build that connection."

Memorial Hospital Miramar has participated in the Babies with Books Read-A-Thon since the initiative began in 2020. What started with 39 participating NICUs has grown to 249 NICUs in 2025. Last year, participating hospitals recorded a combined 73,817 reading sessions during the 11-day event, and Memorial Hospital Miramar ranked No. 23 among participating NICUs.

The 2026 Read-A-Thon runs September 14-24 during National Literacy Month and brings NICUs together in a nationwide effort designed to encourage families, caregivers and hospital staff to read with babies.

"Parents become excited and feel empowered to actively participate in their baby's care," Green said. "Reading is something they can continue long after they leave the NICU."

About the Babies with Books Read-A-Thon

The Babies with Books Read-A-Thon is a friendly reading competition among neonatal intensive care units that encourages families to read with hospitalized babies while raising awareness of the benefits of early reading. Since launching in 2020, participation has grown from 39 NICUs to nearly 250, including international participants.

About Memorial Healthcare System 

South Florida-based Memorial Healthcare System is a national leader in quality care and patient, physician and employee satisfaction. Its commitment to deeper caring, smarter health and community outreach prioritizes a person-centered approach that has delivered safe, positive outcomes for more than 70 years. 

Memorial is committed to healing the body, mind and spirit of those in its care. For more information, visit mhs.net and connect on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE Memorial Healthcare System