SAUGUS — A group of infants celebrated their first Christmas with their families Friday.
Lynn Women’s Health hosted its annual Baby’s First Christmas and Holidays Celebration at the Fox Hill Yacht Club on Friday afternoon.
“It’s been an event that this practice has celebrated for many, many years, bringing all the patients back together that were born,” Andrea Quinn, executive director of Lynn Women’s Health, said. “It’s a way to celebrate their life and celebrate the practice continuing to give life.”
The holiday event, which dates back to 2003, provides a celebration to babies born to patients of the practice that year.
Sophea Chea, practice manager at Lynn Women’s Health, said about 260 babies were born to patients of the practice this year.
“A lot of the patients are underserved, and a lot of them are immigrants,” Chea said. “The patients love it, and they look forward to it. It’s a safe place for them where everyone is treated the same.”
The celebration included lunch, door prizes, and a visit from Santa.
Rosa Lopez came to the party with her seven-week-old infant, Rosanny, and her 5-year-old daughter, Willow.
“It’s really nice that they do this for the families, so we can get together and meet all the babies of this year,” Lopez said. “I’ve been a patient for 15 years. I’m really excited, and I’m glad to get out of the house.”
Chea has been organizing the celebration for the past 20 years.
She said Dr. Louis Laz, who founded the practice, wanted to do something special for his patients.
“Dr. Laz has a heart of gold,” Chea said. “I said, ‘Let’s have a party. Let’s do something nice for them.’ Now, it’s become a tradition. Just to see the kids and the moms, it’s just beautiful.”
Michelle Sorrento, director of site operations at Lynn Women’s Health, praised Chea’s dedication.
“Sophia does an amazing job servicing the moms of the area,” Sorrento said.
Tim Reilly, vice president of human resources at Beverly and Addison Gilbert hospitals, said that the team at Lynn Women’s Health does a great job making connections with patients, patients’ families, and the community.
“This is an event that’s all about the community and keeping those strong connections so that the greater community of Lynn can understand the services that we provide,” Reilly said.
