LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Sept. 26 -- The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences issued the following news release:
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The Verdier Family with the UAMS NICU staff
Sept. 25, 2026 | The family of a NICU graduate is giving back to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences through an annual book drive.
Five years ago, Oliver Verdier was born prematurely and spent 83 days in the UAMS neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
"Our son was born at 28 weeks, and for the first two and a half weeks of his life, we weren't allowed to touch him," said Oliver's mother, Chelsea Verdier. "And so, reading was a way that we were able to bond with him so that he could hear our voice."
Now, Oliver is thriving, and his thankful family has d...