The Ascension St. Vincent Hospital facility in Fishers has become a part of the local fabric, and you need look no further than the number of births it has provided.  This week, Ascension St. Vincent Fishers had its 5,000th birth, welcoming Neela Annette Cripe, born at 8:30 a.m. on April 10, 2024, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces and 20 inches in length. Born to Dafne Sanchez and Trevor Cripe from Ingalls, Indiana, Baby Neela is their first baby and they say delivery was very smooth.

“Pregnancy was honestly pretty easy, delivery was really easy, the staff here was great, so we’re really happy overall,” said Dafne Sanzhez, mother of Baby Neela.  “We didn’t realize she was going to get the balloons and all this attention, but she’s loving it.”

Dr. Valerie Gathers, OB/GYN, said this milestone shows the dedication Ascension St. Vincent Fishers has to serving the community as its only Labor and Delivery Center within city limits.

“Fishers has been booming, not only with move-ins but with deliveries. In fact we’ve delivered our 5,000th baby. It’s so exciting. I’m a Fishers resident so this is even exciting for me because I’m getting to deliver my neighbors, friends. It’s awesome,” said Dr. Valerie Gathers.  “I’ve been practicing for 11 years and delivering babies is one of the biggest joys I get. I can wake up at 3 o’clock in the morning, smiling, happy because you get to be the first face that this newborn sees when they come into the world.“

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness also recognized this milestone event, honoring Baby Neela with the “World Changer” award.

“I’m excited for this major milestone, not only for the family but also for Ascension St. Vincent Fishers for providing quality healthcare to our residents. We strive to create a community that gives children the opportunity to become World Changers, and Neela is already getting started. Congratulations to the family,” said Scott Fadness, Fishers Mayor.

Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers has been in the business of delivering babies since 2013.