Three Families Welcome Babies Born Around Solar Eclipse at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital

On Monday, April 8, 2024, as the world gazed up to witness the rare phenomenon of a solar eclipse, three families at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH) experienced an extraordinary event of their own — the birth of their babies during the eclipse. All parents were excited and allowed LCRH to share this news.
 
The first baby, Kendrick Jaycee V. Aro, debuted at 2:10 pm, just under an hour before the eclipse reached totality in Somerset, Kentucky, weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and 21 inches long. Born via c-section with Dr. Ludwig, Kendrick's parents, Acee Villanueva and Kenneth Aro, originally from the Philippines and residing in Qatar, chose Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital for their son's birth due to its excellent medical facilities and the comfort of seeing a familiar face – one of the international nurses from the Philippines who works at LCRH. Baby Kendrick is an IVF baby, adding to the significance of his birth.
 
Emma Ray Gracelynn Hearld followed shortly after at 2:44 pm, weighing 8 pounds and measuring 19 3/4 inches long. Her parents, Heather, and Joshua Hearld, both from Somerset, Kentucky, were thrilled with the timing of Emma's arrival during the eclipse. Joshua described their experience, saying, "Everyone here was perfect," expressing gratitude for their care during Emma's quick four-hour labor.
 
Completing the trio of eclipse babies, Harmony Blue Storm Hutchinson was born at 4:06 pm, weighing 7 pounds and 11 oz. Each family received a small gift, including the classic book "Goodnight Moon" and some delicious moon pies commemorating the celestial event that coincided with the births of their children.
 
"We were so excited to welcome these babies on such a monumental day," said Elizabeth Garland, BSN, RN, CLC,  Women's and Children’s Services Director at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. "This will always be a core memory for them and our staff. Assisting our community's families in warmly welcoming their newest additions positively and unforgettably is a great privilege.”

 
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital congratulates the three families on their new additions and wishes them health and happiness. The hospital's Women's Center is conveniently located at 305 Langdon Street, Somerset, KY 42503. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 606-678-3145 or visit us online at LakeCumberlandHospital.com/women-and-children.