On a cold November day in 1928, two tiny sisters came into the world far too soon. Roslyn “Lynne” weighed only 2.5 pounds and her twin, Sara “Sue” was just 2.25. Their parents, guided by daily visits from Dr. Richardson, did everything they could to keep the girls alive.

Against all odds, the Holtzman Twins survived and thrived. Lynne became a nurse, Sue built a career in public relations, and together they raised families whose story continues today — including Lynne’s son, David Nierenberg.

Nearly a century later, that legacy of survival and care is honored in the Holtzman Twins NICU at PeaceHealth Southwest. For 20 years, this unit has offered lifesaving Level III neonatal care close to home, serving babies as young as 26 weeks and supporting families through innovative programs. Every day, it stands as a tribute to two tiny twins, born nearly a century ago, whose story continues to inspire hope.

Donations

If you would like to make a check or cash donation, please contact: 

Katie Dart, CFRE
Philanthropy Officer
Kdart1@peacehealth.org
360-514-3656

Our story

The Holtzman Twins Special Care Nursery is part of PeaceHealth Southwest’s Family Birth Center. The nursery is designed to keep mom and baby close by offering private rooms with sleeping accommodations, so parents can remain near their baby at all times.

Thanks to the generosity of the David and Patricia Nierenberg family, an expansion of the Holtzman Twins Special Care Nursery and NICU increased capacity — allowing us to care for more babies and families in need.

NICU Graduate Assessment Program (GAP)

The NICU Graduate Assessment Program (GAP) is a follow-up clinic that provides detailed assessments of babies and young children at risk for developmental delays. We partner with parents and guardians to provide education, skills and support that make a lasting difference.

What We Do

PeaceHealth cares about how you and your baby grow together. This program provides comprehensive assessments of neuromotor function, growth and nutrition, language and motor development, and social skills. By identifying developmental needs as early as possible, we can connect families with the guidance and services that help every child reach their fullest potential.

We evaluate babies and children at regular intervals, based on their medical and developmental history. Our team includes a pediatrician, a neonatologist, physical and occupational therapists and a social worker.

Who We Serve

Infants and children, birth to age three, who have experienced prematurity, low birth weight or other special care needs during the newborn period.

What to expect

• Evaluation and physical exam to determine needs for services such as physical, occupational or speech therapy.
• Immediate feedback about test results and recommendations for therapies or activities, if needed.
• Referrals to specialists when appropriate.
• Coordination of care with the child’s pediatrician and other providers.
• Support for families in accessing resources.

The GAP Clinic is sustained by generous community contributions through the Nierenberg NICU Development Outcomes Fund.

Neonatal Music Therapy

Music therapy is the evidence-based, clinical use of music to accomplish individualized goals such as reducing stress, improving mood, and supporting physiological regulation. Music therapy experiences may include listening, singing, playing instruments, or composing music. 

PeaceHealth Southwest is the one of the only hospitals in our area that utilizes this clinical modality.

Benefits of NICU Music Therapy include:

• Stabilization of vital signs and feeding success
• Lowered pain perception in babies as they undergo procedures
• Increased sense of connection between babies and parents during a difficult time of separation
• Enhanced sensory and language development