Donation from Devil Dogs benefits Phoebe neonatal unit

ALBANY — The Marine Corps League’s local chapter of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs donated $500 Friday to the Phoebe Foundation in support of the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Phoebe officials say the money will go toward purchasing special amenities for babies in the NICU, including mobiles, sound machines, baby swings and onesies.

“Supporting women and children’s hospitals is something the Military Order of the Devil Dogs has been doing each year on a national level. We are happy to be able to follow suit and donate funds in support of our local NICU,” said Ron Kirstatter, pound keeper, Master Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas J. Retza Jr. Pound No. 360.

Mandy Fagiano, child life specialist at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, received the donation on behalf of the NICU. “We are so grateful for local organizations, like Devil Dogs, who donate to their local community hospital NICU. Every donation, large or small, goes a long way.”

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s NICU serves 22 counties in the region and is one of six state-designated perinatal centers.