Nurse: Edith Suarez (left), Nurse and Director of Women’s Services: Claudiane Recio (right), Mother: Karen Ojeda (center) , Twins: Andrea Ojeda and Amanda Ojeda
September 20, 2025 – In August 2010, twin sisters Amanda and Andrea Ojeda entered the world far too soon. Born at just 27 weeks after a rupture of membranes, the girls spent 69 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where their mother, Karen Ojeda, remained at their bedside.
During those critical weeks, NICU nurse Edith Suarez was by their side providing around-the-clock care and support. This September, as part of NICU Awareness Month, Amanda and Andrea—now thriving teenagers—joined their mother at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital to thank Suarez and to spend time with other NICU nurses who continue to support families through their earliest and most challenging days.
Both Suarez and fellow nurse Cynthia Brito, who also cared for the girls in 2010, remain part of the NICU team at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where their dedication is recognized as part of Neonatal Nurses Week, a celebration of the compassion and expertise of NICU teams.
“I will never forget the love and care these nurses gave my daughters,” said Karen Ojeda. “They were our angels in those moments of fear. Being here today with the twins is a reminder of the miracles that happen here.”
“This is what makes our work so meaningful,” Suarez said, recalling the long days and nights she spent by the girls’ side. “To see them today, strong and full of life, is a blessing.”
Amanda and Andrea’s journey highlights the lasting impact of neonatal care and the enduring bond between NICU families and their caregivers—a lasting reminder of the impact of neonatal care and the hope it brings to families every day.
Since 1996, parents-to-be in Miami have trusted HCA Florida Kendall Hospital for labor and delivery care. As a maternity center in the community, the hospital provides support throughout every stage of the birth experience. With a family-centered atmosphere and compassionate maternity specialists, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital is proud to welcome babies each year and remains committed to offering families personalized, supportive care.
For more information about maternity care at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/kendall-hospital/specialties/womens-care/labor-and-delivery
About HCA Florida Kendall Hospital
As a 24/7 acute care facility, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital is one of only two adult Level 1 Trauma Centers in Miami-Dade County verified by the American College of Surgeons. Kendall Hospital boasts a network of over 750 physicians’ specialties. Kendall Hospital is ranked by Healthgrades in the Top 100 Best Hospitals in America for Critical Care, Cardiac Care, Prostate Surgery, Gastroenterology, Spine and Orthopedic Surgery. HCA Florida Kendall Hospital is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare in the state of Florida.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
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