To celebrate Berks County native Taylor Swift’s birthday on December 13, Reading Hospital maternity and NICU staff shared Eras-style friendship bracelets. In all, 11 babies were born that day, and the staff distributed about 60 bracelets to newborns and their families, as well as to a few employees who are Swifties and couldn’t resist.
Fans of Taylor Swift and Reading Hospital alike became enchanted with the “Newborn Era Project” after photos and videos were posted on the hospital’s social media channels. Taylor Swift fan accounts shared the project, and it was also featured in several national and international publications, including People, Parade, New York Post, and Today.com. Within three days, the total audience exceeded 500 million.
“The Eras-style friendship bracelets were such a fun way to celebrate the shared birthdays between Taylor Swift and our babies,” said K. Ashley Brandy, DO, Chief, Division of Obstetrics. “While I obviously don't know Taylor personally, I would hope she'd approve of the way we honored her legacy and the mutual birthday with our newborns."
“It was a fun moment to provide families with a keepsake for their baby books,” said Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Our maternal and NICU staff members are incredible. They are truly like family. Each day, they go above and beyond to care for the babies born here. We appreciate the recognition they are receiving for their hard work and dedication to making sure every family feels loved and cared for while at Reading Hospital.”