Events Annual CIFH Family Reunion
Annual CIFH Family Reunion
We’re excited to welcome CIFH patients, families, and care teams back together for the 2026 CIFH Family Reunion.
Join us for an afternoon of connection, celebration, food, music, games, and animal adventures as we celebrate the incredible children and families that make up the CIFH community.
This special event is an opportunity to reconnect with your care team, meet other families with shared experiences, and spend time together in a fun and welcoming environment.
Reunion Activities
Activities may include:
- Face painting
- Giant Jenga
- Hula hoops
- Coloring activities
- Splash pad access (weather permitting)
- Zoo access throughout the day
Splash Pad Reminder
If weather permits, the Pavilion Plaza splash pad area will be open during the event. Families planning to participate should bring:
- Swimsuits
- Swim diapers
- Towels
- Change of clothes
Towels are not provided by the zoo.
Parking and Admission Information
Please arrive at the North Gate Main Entrance located at: 8400 31st Street at 1st Avenue
The week of the event, registered families will receive QR codes by email for complimentary parking and zoo admission.
Your admission includes full day access to Brookfield Zoo from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Please note: Free parking is only available through the North Gate Main Entrance.
Registration Information
The registration form allows up to:
- 3 adults (18+)
- 7 children
Please note that all individuals 18 years of age or older must complete our Photo Consent/Waiver of Liability form in order to attend this event.
CIFH Family Reunion Photo Consent Form
If your group exceeds these limits, please submit a second registration form.
Please RSVP by Friday, August 14, 2026.
Contact Courtney Carter Dugan at ccdugan@luriechildrens.org and with any questions or concerns.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
CIFH Commemorative Button Design Contest
Thank you to everyone who submitted artwork for our inaugural CIFH Commemorative Button Design Contest. We were inspired by the creativity and imagination shared by our incredible CIFH families.
Thank you for helping make this year's Family Reunion even more meaningful.
Winning Design
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The Heart of Together
The Heart of Together Anna Weber-Gard
Parent of a Patient
IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
A heart is a simple representation of gentle affection that centers on love, life, and connection. When speaking in terms of pregnancy, however, the heart is so much more; one of the first visible signs of life, present as a flutter on an ultrasound. The Institute's team performs compassionate work that touches the hearts of many families facing vulnerability during pregnancy.
This piece serves as a delicate symbol of love and touches on the care provided by the doctors, nurses, and social workers at the clinic. The watercolor-esque composition carries a sense of emotion and acceptance and involves the blending of colors chosen to be symbolic of the blending of familial love. The lightand bright colors represent youth, warmth, and tenderness.
“There really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child.”
The Artists
Nathalie Castillo
Parent of Patient
IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
Our daughter has spina bifida and I firmly believe that the surgery that Dr. Bowman performed on her to repair her spine when she was just two days old has changed the trajectory of her life.
Dr. Bowman is an incredible surgeon and I see her as like an artist. Her work is truly a piece of art.
Hope Begins Here
Leticia Vaughn
Parent of a Patient
IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
Hope Begins Here celebrates the community that is created through the Institute. The beginning of a journey that becomes filled with hope in an uncertain time. The compassion our medical professionals have to do this extraordinary work that changes lives before they're even born. The families filled with courage and the hope that continues long after.
This piece reflects the bonds that are formed through fetal care, the commitment to our families, and a lifelong community of resilience, gratitude, and love.
Thank you to The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health, for changing lives and giving so much hope. The diagnosis wasn't the end. It was just the beginning of so much more. Hope Begins Here.
Flower Smiles
Molly Rozek
Former Patient
IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
I love flowers and rainbows so Icombined my two loves.
Growing Together
Dr. Jessie Aw-Zoretic
CIFH Team Member
IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
My inspiration was everything I feel about what we do at the Institute. The heart is the love we have for the work we do, the strong team we have, and our love for each other.
I wanted to work our symbol into the year: the zero in 2026, and the six as the pregnant mom, with a little imagination. Then at the end of 2026, a pram, for the hope of a new life.
The flower pots symbolize the different babies we help grow: singletons, twins, and different types of twins. The asymmetric flowers are the TTTS twins.
The Rainbow, the Castle, and the Butterfly
Eimi Yaniris Nin Feliz
Sibling of a patient - Age 17 or under
IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
The beauty and love from Mommy,Daddy, my siblings, and everyone aroundme, and thanks to Jesus for saving my life.