Covenant Kids

09/03/2025

We had an amazing turnout at the 19th Annual Teddy Bear Ride, with more than 50 motorcycles bringing tons of teddy bears and stuffed animals to brighten the days of Covenant Kids!

Huge thanks to the American Legion Riders Sanford MI Post 443 and our wonderful supporters for continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Covenant Kids.

08/19/2025

🐻🏍️ The 19th Annual Teddy Bear Motorcycle Ride is happening this Saturday, August 23!

Motorcycle enthusiasts will ride from American Legion Riders Sanford MI Post 443 at 3:00 p.m., delivering brand-new teddy bears to our Covenant Kids. Riders will arrive at Covenant HealthCare (Lot 17E, off Almira St.) at 4:00 p.m. and depart at 4:30 p.m.

No cost to participate—just bring a brand-new teddy bear or stuffed animal to donate!

Drop-off locations for donations:
• United Way of Saginaw Countyy
• American Legion Riders Sanford MI Post 443
• Holeshot Harley-Davidson (Mt. Pleasant)

Together, we can bring comfort and smiles to children in need. 🐻

07/30/2025

The Dr. Chai Story / The Creation of the Covenant RNICU

Part 4: A Legacy That Lives On

Fifty years after Dr. Chai’s arrival in Saginaw, Covenant HealthCare proudly honors his remarkable legacy. His tireless dedication has saved thousands of lives and inspired generations of caregivers.

Today, the Covenant RNICU is a leader in compassionate, advanced neonatal care serving families throughout mid-Michigan with leading edge technology and a team committed to excellence.

Dr. Chai’s influence remains woven into the fabric of the community and the Covenant mission. His story demonstrates how compassionate care and quiet leadership can change lives one newborn at a time.

Thank you for following Dr. Chai’s inspiring journey. Stay connected for more stories of innovation and care at Covenant HealthCare.

Read Dr. Chai’s full story here: https://m.covenanthealthcare.com/Abo.../RNICU50/dr-chai.html

07/29/2025

There’s still time to Scoop It Forward!

Stop by Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company in Old Town Saginaw today until 9 PM and enjoy a sweet treat that supports a sweet cause.

Every scoop helps benefit the Covenant Kids Fund, supporting local families and our youngest patients throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Come out, cool off, and help us make a difference—one scoop at a time!

07/29/2025

Meet us there at Noon! Support the Covenant Kids from Noon until 9pm.

Join us at Michigan Cream and Sugar in Old Town Saginaw today from 12-9pm for a special event to benefit Covenant Kids! We have a distinguished lineup of guest scoopers ready to serve you! 👨‍⚕️We are honored to welcome Drs Salmon, Mreish, Schlangen, and Dunaske behind the counter to scoop our scratch-made ice cream! They will be joined by pediatric nurses Jarrett and Kristie Gray, as well as NICU manager Jenna and OB manager Colette! A portion of proceeds from every scoop today will benefit this vital local cause.

07/29/2025

The Dr. Chai Story / The Creation of the Covenant RNICU

Part 3: A Place of Hope

In 1974, Dr. Chai helped establish the Special Care Nursery at Saginaw General Hospital. This modest but vital nursery was the first step toward specialized care for the region’s sickest newborns. What began as a small nursery quickly grew into the first Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Michigan outside a major metropolitan area.

For families, the RNICU was more than a hospital unit. It was a sanctuary built on compassion, expertise, and the dedication Dr. Chai inspired. He fostered a culture where medical excellence and heartfelt support went hand in hand.

This culture remains central to the Covenant HealthCare neonatal program today.

Next: Celebrate how this vision has grown and the lasting impact of Dr. Chai’s work on the community.

Read Dr. Chai’s full story here: https://m.covenanthealthcare.com/About-Covenant/RNICU50/dr-chai.html

07/28/2025

Thank you for wrapping our tiniest patients in love! 💙🧸

Over 400 cozy PJs were collected through the Preemies Need PJs campaign — all thanks to Uptown North Main, Frankenmuth Credit Union, and our generous community.

We’re so grateful for your support of Covenant Kids!

Check Out These Adorable Baby PJs!

Our hearts are full! Uptown North Main and Frankenmuth Credit Union kicked off the Preemies Need PJs campaign in early May—and thanks to your incredible generosity, we had another hugely successful year!

Over 400 cozy PJs were collected and delivered straight to the NICU at Covenant for the tiniest of Covenant Kids. Thank you for your kindness, donations, and unwavering support. We truly couldn’t do this without you—and we can’t wait to do it again next year!

Pictured: Pam Mossner (Uptown North Main, Frankenmuth) and Johnathan Homan (Covenant HealthCare Foundation, Saginaw)

07/28/2025

The Dr. Chai Story / The Creation of the Covenant RNICU

Part 2: Leading by Example

Dr. Chai’s impact extended beyond his medical expertise. Colleagues and staff describe him as a humble and steady presence who led through example rather than words. He was meticulous in his work and patient with families facing the challenges of newborn illness.

Nurses recall how he set the gold standard for compassionate care. Residents and fellows admired his ability to challenge them intellectually while demonstrating empathy in every interaction. Administrators respected his unwavering focus on the well-being of each infant.

Dr. Chai’s calm confidence became a source of hope during some of the most vulnerable moments families face.

Next: Discover how Dr. Chai transformed this leadership into creating a neonatal care program that became a true haven for newborns.

Read Dr. Chai’s full story here: https://m.covenanthealthcare.com/About-Covenant/RNICU50/dr-chai.html

07/27/2025

The Dr. Chai Story / The Creation of the Covenant RNICU

Part 1: A Quiet Beginning

In 1969, Dr. Chaiyakarn Soontharotoke arrived in Saginaw to begin his pediatric residency. Coming from Thailand, he faced many new challenges including the difficulty hospital staff had pronouncing his last name. With grace and humility, he simply said, “Call me Chai.”

This moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. From his early days as a medical graduate navigating a new country, Dr. Chai’s determination and dedication laid the foundation for a pioneering career in neonatal medicine. His arrival in Saginaw started a legacy that would positively impact thousands of newborns and families in Michigan.

Next: Learn how Dr. Chai’s leadership and compassion inspired those around him and set a new standard of care.

Read Dr. Chai’s full story here: https://m.covenanthealthcare.com/About-Covenant/RNICU50/dr-chai.html

07/23/2025

We’re so grateful to the United Way of Saginaw County and American Legion Riders Sanford MI Post 443 for supporting Covenant Kids through the 19th Annual Teddy Bear Ride! 🧸

Help us spread comfort and smiles by donating new teddy bears and stuffed animals. Your generosity will directly impact local children in need.

Drop-off details below — thank you for riding with us in support of Covenant Kids! 🫶🏾

07/22/2025

We’re excited to invite you to Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company in Old Town Saginaw for a fun-filled day of ice cream and community spirit, all in support of our youngest patients!

Enjoy amazing, homemade ice cream and help make a difference through the "Scoop It Forward" campaign—every scoop supports Covenant Kids Fund and helps families across the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Let’s come together, share some smiles, and scoop it forward for a wonderful cause!

Date: July 29
Time: Noon until 9pm

07/14/2025

Today was a beautiful celebration.

50 years.
50 years of joy.
50 years of tears.
50 years of changing lives.
50 years of friendships.
50 years of relentless quality.
50 years of dedication.
50 years of making a difference.
50 years since the inception of the Covenant HealthCare Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Thank you to the 2007-2014 graduates, current and past medical teams, and supporters who were able to attend today.

Our hearts are full.

If you have photos you’d like to share while we eagerly await ours, please do!

https://m.covenanthealthcare.com/About-Covenant/RNICU50/