HARTFORD, CT — A major children’s hospital in the state will name a new intensive care unit for babies in tribute to a large benefactor.

Hartford-based Connecticut Children’s, the state’s only healthcare system dedicated exclusively to the care of children, has received a $2.5 million commitment from the DeSimone Family Trust to support neonatology intensive care facilities and services in the hospital’s new tower expansion.

In recognition of this gift, the sixth-floor neonatal intensive care wing of the hospital’s new tower will be named the Jerry and Rose Marie DeSimone Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

“Connecticut Children’s cares for babies born so early they are at the very edge of survivability,” said Jim Shmerling, Connecticut Children’s president and chief executive officer. “The incredibly generous gift from the DeSimone Family Trust will help us expand the world-class care we provide to our tiniest, most fragile patients and their families. We are deeply grateful for their support.”

Clinical studies have shown that NICU babies survive at higher rates when they are in a private room.

The new Jerry and Rose Marie DeSimone Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will feature 25 private NICU patient/family rooms, family waiting rooms, procedure rooms, and team member areas.

There will be another NICU floor with similar features, bringing the total of private NICU rooms to 50.

“This was an easy decision for our family. My mother and father loved babies and struggled during the pregnancies of me and my five siblings. They never forgot the emotional pain they endured, praying that their babies would be okay,” said Joyce Lagnese, family spokesperson and member of the Connecticut Children’s Foundation Board of Directors.

“Every sick fetus and newborn deserves the best chance to thrive and we are so proud of Connecticut Children’s progressive commitment to these precious vulnerable beings and their families. With the support of the generous citizens of our state, Connecticut Children’s is sure to become a national leader in neonatal care.”

Sixty percent of all births in Connecticut occur in one of Connecticut Children’s network hospitals.

In addition, Connecticut Children’s staffs 14 NICUs across Connecticut and New York, with the most critically ill babies receiving care at its Hartford Level 4 NICU.

The new tower in Hartford will add 50,000 square feet of NICU space over two floors.