[5 min read]
In this article:
- Allison Lee was a tiny preemie who spent weeks in Swedish's neo-natal intensive care unit.
- Her parents were frightened and unsure about the future for their little girl, but they were reassured by the compassion and expert care at at Swedish.
- Today, Allison is a thriving college student with a bright future and her family has remained connected to Swedish.
- The generosity of the Lee family and donors to the Swedish Foundation help make this care possible, so that even the littest babies can grow up to chase their big dreams.
Twenty-one years ago, Alison Lee entered the world weighing less than a bag of sugar — fragile, tiny, and in a delicate state in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Swedish. In August 2025, Alison returned, this time as an aspiring health care professional and a living testament to the power of hope, medicine, and human connection.
“I was in awe,” Alison says. “It was so evident how hard the NICU team works and how much of their heart they put into their job. I could envision myself doing that in the future.”
Alison, now a senior studying human science at Georgetown University, is preparing for a career in maternal and neonatal care. It’s a path heavily influenced by her own NICU journey.
She was born at 30 weeks and weighed just two pounds, eight ounces. After spending six weeks in the NICU, she was released at four pounds, eight ounces. Alison, of course, remembers none of this. Her mother, Donna Lee, recalls her daughter’s stay with vivid detail.
Twenty-one years ago, Alison Lee entered the world weighing less than a bag of sugar — fragile, tiny, and in a delicate state in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Swedish. In August 2025, Alison returned, this time as an aspiring health care professional and a living testament to the power of hope, medicine, and human connection.
“Everyone was so kind and so encouraging,” Donna says. “They took such great care of us.”
The Lees were so impressed by the care and compassion they received at such a delicate time that they decided to make an annual donation to Swedish to support the NICU.
“We were scared and didn’t know what to expect, but we always felt like we were in great hands there, which is why we decided to donate. It was a no-brainer,” Donna says. “Whatever we could provide the next family going forward, we wanted to help.”
Over the years, Donna shared memories of Alison’s time in the NICU with her daughter.
“Growing up, I heard all of these stories about how well the NICU staff treated my family,” says Alison. “It was obviously very hard, but they made it as hospitable as possible.”
The Lee family has remained closely connected to Swedish since Alison’s birth. She’s joined her parents at Swedish Foundation philanthropy events and has met many of the nurses and doctors who continue to care for newborns and their families.
One of those events sparked an idea: celebrating her 21st birthday with her mother during a NICU reunion.
“It was obviously emotional for her, reliving those moments of not knowing what was going to happen to your baby,” Alison says. “But she loved it — she loved seeing all the little babies, and she was amazed by how much they’ve renovated the NICU. It looks incredible.”
During the Lees’ two-hour visit, Alison spoke with the nurse manager and staff, gaining a better understanding of their dedication and compassion.
“I left there with a sense of gratefulness and inspiration,” Alison says. “It was really fun — and really emotional.”
Alison hopes her story offers some comfort and hope to those families currently navigating the NICU experience. “It’s a really scary time,” Alison says. “But I want parents to know that there are a lot of good stories — and a lot of NICU survivors out there.”
Learn more and find physician or advanced practice clinician care (APC)
Swedish has three birth centers — First Hill, Issaquah and Edmonds — making it convenient for people who live or work in the Seattle, Eastside and North End areas. Swedish patients can take classes, meet other families, get help with lactation and go for new parents and well-baby checkups at The Lytle Center for Pregnancy & Newborns at our First Hill birth center. You can also get expert advice there and help with wellness. Visit our website to learn more about midwives at Swedish and how they can partner with you to create the most personalized birthing experience possible.
If you need a gynecologist, women's health specialist or primary care doctor, Swedish is here for you. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory.
Information for patients and visitors
About the Swedish Foundation
Your generous gift helps support a healthy tomorrow for everyone in every community we serve. Learn about more ways to give to the Swedish Foundation or make a direct donation online at swedishfoundation.org. You can also contact the Foundation at 206-368-2738 or email foundation@swedish.org. Thank you for helping us shape the future of healthcare. We can’t do it without you.
Additional resources
At Swedish, doulas are central to support, advocacy and reducing health disparities
At Swedish, midwives’ expansive role in care is helping build community
Can you laugh your way through labor pain?
Comprehensive care for people with complex pregnancies
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
