The annual Polo for Preemies event, held at the Skaneateles Polo Club, combined the excitement of sport with a mission to support some of the region’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients. The event aimed to raise crucial funds for Crouse Health’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

For eight years, Polo for Preemies has been more than just a polo match. Michael and Delaney Barrigar, who were born three months early at Crouse’s NICU, are living proof of the unit’s impact.

“We both had stuff that I think we still are dealing with health problems here and there that they think are related to us being born early. But we’re definitely very lucky. We are still kicking,” they said.

The event brought together former NICU patients, their caregivers, and notable figures like John Walsh, host and creator of “America’s Most Wanted.” Walsh said, “I can’t think of a better thing to raise money for than that preemie unit, which is one of the best in the country.”

Seth Kronenberg, MD, President and CEO of Crouse Health, emphasized the importance of the NICU.

“All of the sickest of the sick babies come to Crouse. So we’re not only a resource for Syracuse and Central New York, but that entire region. So any donations made to the Crouse NICU support that entire region. It’s almost a third of New York state to take care of our folks,” he said.

The day highlighted the success of medical care and the importance of community support, with hopes that Crouse doctors will have the necessary means to continue providing life-saving care. Michael and Delaney Barrigar reflected on the event’s significance, saying, “It’s kind of like a full circle moment, if that makes sense. It’s like kind of crazy to think that, well, we made it. We’re here. And now we get to support an event that saved our lives. It’s just really amazing to see. And we’re alive. And hopefully, this will help so many premature babies.”