Madison Kennedy, born 1 lb. preemie, reunites with NICU nurse 21 years later

Madison Kennedy, who was born premature at 22.5 weeks weighing 1 lb., 3 oz. at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in December 2004, returned to the hospital on her 21st birthday to reunite with Janine Buggle, the nurse who cared for her in the NICU. The emotional meeting took place in the greeting area at the K.

Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, where Buggle immediately recognized Madison and brought her in for a hug. Buggle told Asbury Park Press she experienced “an explosion of emotions that came pouring in.” Madison’s mother, Christine Kennedy, along with her dad and two older brothers, joined the reunion and presented Buggle with gifts, cards and a photo album containing images of Madison’s NICU stay and the doll-sized hats she wore.

Christine told the outlet she burst into tears and thanked Buggle for “the care you gave our girl,” calling her “part of my family.” Madison told Asbury Park Press the reunion had long been on her bucket list: “It’s always been in the back of my mind. It’s always been like number one on my bucket list.

I’ve wanted to meet Janine.” She called the visit “a full-circle moment,” adding, “She took care of me as a baby, she helped me survive, and now, seeing her as a 21-year-old is crazy.

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