Meet Athena Lee Royer, Juan Luis Hospital’s New Year’s Day Baby

ST. CROIX — The Governor. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (JFL) welcomed the first baby of 2016 for the territory, early Friday morning, a press release the hospital issued last Friday has made known.

Athena Lee Royer was born at 6:24 am on January 1, 2016 to proud parents, Harrison Royer and Andrea Klaus Royer. Athena weighed in at seven pounds, 3.1 ounces, and was 51 centimeters long at birth. It’s the first baby for the pair, and they were ecstatic about their new daughter, and the care they received at JFL.

“We would like to thank the staff for taking such good care of us. It means a lot to us, especially as first time parents,” said Mrs. Royer.

JFL Chief Nursing Officer Justa Encarnacion, along with several staff nurses made a presentation to the new parents Friday, providing dozens of presents from JFL’s administration and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Those gifts included an Infant Travel system, diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, clothing, a health and grooming kit, swaddler, pillow, baby’s first book and much more.

JFL Chief Nursing Officer Justa Encarnacion presents bracelet from LuvKids to mom, Andrea Royer.

“Having the first baby of the year born at JFL and on St. Croix is a source of pride for the staff, and we were excited to select presents that would bring delight to the happy parents. We extend congratulations and hope for a bright future for baby Athena,” said Encarnacion.

There were also presents from the LuvKids organization that included a Care Cart, baby’s first outfit, a pull-along toy, and a gold bracelet donated to LuvKids from Perfection Gift Store. Ballentine Connections Inc. provided a baby bathtub, towels and washcloths, toiletries, baby bottles and a bottle brush.

The Royers relocated to St. Croix from Atlanta, Georgia eight months ago, and they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from not only JFL’s staff, but the community. In fact, the two who already have a travel system, donated the new gift back to JFL’s NICU for another family to enjoy. Their daughter, Athena is just one of many firsts for the Royers.

“It’s awesome, we’re super excited, not only do we have the first Crucian in our family, but we have the first Crucian of the year,” said Mr. Royer.
Feature Image: Mr. and Mrs. Royer with baby  Athena.

Image Credit: JFL.