LONGVIEW, Texas — Not every family leaves the hospital shortly after the birth of a child. For those with babies who require extra care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the journey can last weeks or even months — and it often relies on the compassion and dedication of healthcare workers.

On Saturday, Longview Regional Medical Center hosted its annual NICU reunion, bringing together former patients and the nurses and doctors who cared for them. Registered nurse Gayle Cassity, who works in the NICU, says the experience of caring for these infants is nothing short of miraculous.

“You get to see a miracle almost every day,” she said.

For families like Clair Dukes, the reunion was a special reminder of the journey they endured. Dukes gave birth to twins Cameron and Parker at just

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