When a baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), parents want to be there for every moment. Families sometimes need to step away to rest, return to work or care for loved ones at home.
Thanks to donor generosity, families now have a new way to check in on their baby. Installed in April 2026, AngelEye Health cameras in the NICU at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest provide a secure live video feed that allows parents to see their newborns from a smartphone, tablet or computer, even when they cannot be at the bedside.
A family’s connection across the globe
For Josephine and Ray Lankford, the cameras have become a meaningful part of their daughter Gianna’s journey. The Lankfords have family in the Philippines, placing thousands of miles between loved ones and Gianna during her hospital stay. Through the AngelEye app, grandparents and relatives can log in and see her from afar.
“As soon as we installed the app, I was able to invite them,” Josephine said. “Then my brother was like, ‘Oh, we got it. We can see the baby already.’ They’re 13 hours ahead of us, so my dad would say that if he wakes up at night, he can see the baby. That’s really amazing for them as grandparents.”
That simple invitation opened a window into Gianna’s earliest days. Family members could check in, follow her progress and feel involved despite the distance.
The impact of donor support
The program reflects a commitment to supporting families and shows how philanthropy can enhance the patient and family experience. Through donor support, more NICU families can access the same technology, helping them remain a part of their baby’s journey during a time when every moment matters.
