In a heartwarming display of compassion and resilience, Terry Berggren, a Kansas-based data analyst, has dedicated himself to providing comfort to the tiniest patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at HCA Healthcare’s Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Since joining the Warm Arms volunteer programme in May 2023, Berggren has cradled over 550 babies, bringing not only solace to them but also healing to himself.
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Berggren’s involvement in the NICU stems from his own family’s traumatic experiences within the unit. As a father and grandfather in his sixties, he faced the challenges of having a premature child and the heartbreaking loss of a grandchild after an extended NICU stay. These poignant moments prompted him to tackle his fears head-on, choosing to support other families navigating similar hardships rather than shying away from them.
Reflecting on this journey, Berggren stated, “I asked myself, ‘Do I walk away because of the fear and heartbreak I’ve experienced, or do I run toward the fire to help others facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives?’ I chose the latter.” This decision has transformed his grief into a mission of comfort and care.
Dr. Rob Holcomb, the hospital’s neonatologist and medical director, has praised the essential role that volunteers like Berggren play in the NICU. He described their “gentle, nurturing touch” as an integral component of the care provided to the fragile patients. Research supports this notion, illustrating that when preemies receive physical affection—such as being held and rocked—they often experience improvements in vital signs and oxygen levels, paving the way for better neurodevelopment and promoting shorter hospital stays.
Dr. Holcomb emphasised the significance of such human interactions, stating, “While nothing replaces the bond between a baby and their family, Warm Arms volunteers like Terry play a meaningful role in supporting our tiniest patients, while complementing the specialised medical care our NICU team provides.” His sentiments articulate the profound impact that warmth and connection can have on both infants and their families during daunting times.
Berggren’s unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed. For his selfless contribution to the NICU, he was awarded the prestigious 2026 Frist Humanitarian Award, a recognition that honours individuals embodying the humanitarian values that the hospital cherishes. “The Humanitarian Award meant more to me than I can put into words,” Berggren remarked, appreciating the recognition of his service. He views a meaningful life as one defined by kindness, trust, love, and the positive influence one has on others.
Contemplating the essence of his work, he noted, “Society often measures people by their achievements, titles, and professional accomplishments. But these external markers can disappear overnight… Who you are, rather than what you achieve, is the lasting foundation of what truly matters to me.” Berggren’s perspective underscores the idea that the legacy of an individual lies not in material possessions or accolades, but in the compassion and difference one makes in the lives of others.
Beyond the benefits afforded to the infants, Berggren found that his time in the NICU has also brought him personal fulfilment. He described volunteering as a mutually beneficial experience that contributes significantly to his mental health. “I come here to comfort the babies, but volunteering in the NICU gives me something I need, too,” he said, highlighting the serenity he feels while enveloped in the care environment.
His candour reveals the therapeutic nature of his involvement, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between the volunteer and the vulnerable lives he comforts. “There is a sense of calm when I’m in here, and when I leave, I am relaxed. I feel as though I get just as much out of this programme as our babies,” Berggren reflected.
Through his heartfelt dedication, Terry Berggren embodies the spirit of community service and the importance of nurturing connections, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of human touch in healing. His story not only inspires others to embrace volunteerism but also sheds light on the strength found in addressing one’s own fears through acts of kindness. As he continues to offer support to the NICU’s smallest patients, Berggren exemplifies the profound impact of spreading compassion in the face of hardship.