Finding meaning in unimaginable loss

The day after what would have been Zachary Banet’s 29th birthday, his mom addressed the grand opening crowd for the Baptist Health Floyd NICU.

Emily Banet, service director for the hospital’s Women’s and Children’s unit, wanted to explain why opening the NICU was a passion project. “I needed to share what I was feeling,” says Emily, moved by her personal loss that fueled a decades-long commitment to other parents. “I knew there was a reason for the timing.”

With the opening of the NICU, Emily realized a dream born out of tragedy almost 30 years ago. A dream made possible with the help of Baptist Health leadership and the generosity of donors.

Honoring Zachary

Emily, a labor and delivery nurse at the time, and her husband, Doug, were expecting a healthy baby boy. He was their first, and they were excited. But that excitement turned to fear … then grief in a few short days.

Zachary started with breathing problems right after delivery. By 5 p.m., he’d coded three times.

Zachary had become septic from group B strep, a common bacteria that can be found in the gastrointestinal, reproductive or urinary tract during pregnancy.

Thirty years ago, expecting mothers were only screened for the bacteria at the beginning of pregnancy.

Emily was devastated … but she used that pain to push her forward. She went back to work on the labor and delivery floor four weeks later. She and Doug had two other children in the next couple years, and over the last few decades, Emily began moving into leadership positions within Baptist Health Floyd.

“My mission is here,” says Emily. “I knew I had to stay at Baptist Health Floyd.” Emily wanted Zachary’s death to mean something. “I don’t want parents to have to know the pain of separation from that newborn. I don’t want a father to question whether to stay with his wife or his child. I don’t want another mom to receive a phone call that her child won’t survive.”

Emily believes in the quality and the convenience of the new NICU at Baptist Health Floyd, and she knows just how much the generosity of others has made this a reality.

Philanthropy flows through it

Today, Emily’s department is proud to offer NICU view cameras in every patient bay – a gift that allows parents to watch their babies 24/7 and find peace, even when they can’t be by their side. It’s one of many ways philanthropy has already helped transform care for families.

But she recognizes there’s much more work to do.

“We all know that healthcare is underfunded,” she explained. “A lot of times the equipment and the things we absolutely need are also expensive.”

As one of the most tenured employees at Baptist Health Floyd, Emily has witnessed inspiring progress, and she’s more hopeful than ever about the future. The hospital continues to grow to meet the needs of the community, now with the support of its own dedicated foundation.

That’s why Emily chose to give back personally. As a proud member of the Baptist Health Foundation Floyd’s first-ever President’s Circle, she’s pouring out the same spirit of service that once supported her team.

“I’ve been on the giving end and on the receiving end of philanthropy,” she said. “I was raised that you lean toward kindness, helping others and generosity.”

And as she channels joyful giving directly into the hospital and units she cares about most – including the NICU – Emily encourages others in her community to consider doing the same.

“It’s fiscally responsible and a great outlet for donors who know exactly where they want their generosity to land,” she said.