Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 24, 2000 - Baptist Memorial Health Care will have its 5th Annual Kids Fest and Fun Run at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville, 1500 W. Poplar, on Sat., Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids Fest is a festival for children to benefit children, as funds will go to provide care for babies who need special medical attention at birth. During the festival, children who spent time in the neonatal ICU will have a reunion party.

The event will feature magicians, clowns, face painting, games, door prizes, free refreshments and special guests such as Mr. Chuck of WKNO-TV and P.D. Parrot, Baptist's official pediatrics mascot who teaches children about health and safety. Baptist will announce "Shining Star" contest winners, first through 12th grade students who have made positive contributions to their communities. "Shining Stars" receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond and their sponsoring organizations receive $250 to purchase educational equipment.

Tour de Tots 5K Fun Run will take place before the festival at 8:30 a.m. The cost to enter the Fun Run, take home a T-shirt and be admitted to Kids Fest is $15; for non-runners, admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Runners pre-registered by Sept. 11 pay $12. Members of the Memphis Runners Track Club can purchase the entire package for $11. All food, games and activities are covered by the cost of admission.

"Kids Fest is a celebration of Baptist's most special patients - children," said Sue Harpole, Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation's director of development. "It's such a joy to see the former neonatal ICU patients and the progress they've made over the years. Being a part of this event makes you appreciate how precious life really is."

The Baptist East neonatal ICU treats about 600 high-risk newborns a year. On average, the babies stay in the neonatal ICU for six weeks. A neonatal continuing care unit, which provides transitional care between the neonatal ICU and the home, was recently added to the neonatal ICU. The neonatal continuing care staff teaches parents how to use the equipment that will go home with their babies, as well as how to provide the care for their newborns' needs.

For more information about Kids Fest, sponsored by First Tennessee, Commercial Tennessee, News Channel 3 and Buck and Bass Sports Centre, or to pre-register for the 5K Fun Run, call (901) 227-7241.

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