A gift of gratitude: How one family's NICU experience inspired a generous legacy

7/1/2026

A family smiles in front of a red sign that reads

Three years ago, Rupa Low, MD, and her husband, Jason Low, MD, experienced every expectant parent's fear when a medical emergency threatened both mother and baby. Today, their story has come full circle with a $50,000 gift to support the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, a heartfelt thank you for the exceptional care that quite possibly saved their son Henry’s life.

It started as an ordinary work day for Rupa, a family medicine physician. However, when abdominal pain struck and her blood pressure medication couldn't bring down dangerously high readings, she knew something was seriously wrong. At 34 weeks pregnant and suspecting preeclampsia, Rupa woke her husband Jason, an interventional radiologist, in the middle of the night with two simple words: "Let's go."

"The treatment for preeclampsia is to deliver," Rupa explains. What happened next was a masterclass in emergency medical care. "It was so seamless. They had me in a bed in 10 minutes. Like dominoes falling into place."

Within hours, Henry was born at 34 weeks and three days — nearly six weeks early. While Rupa recovered, their newborn son required immediate NICU care. The couple hadn't even finished setting up their nursery at home, leading Jason to endlessly circle back and forth between holding his son in the NICU and home to assemble furniture, preparing for a homecoming they hoped would come soon.

Henry spent two weeks in NICU room 459, where the Low family witnessed something remarkable: a team of doctors and nurses who treated their most precious gift with unwavering dedication and compassion.

"Every doctor and nurse was phenomenal," Rupa recalls. She specifically remembers prenatal health specialist Alexandra Hall, MD, calling her "exceptional." But, the care extended beyond medical expertise — it was personal, attentive, and deeply human. For two physicians who understand the demands and pressures of health care, this level of attentive care left an indelible impression. 

A family tradition of giving back

When the Low family decided to make their gift, it wasn't just about gratitude — it was about honoring a legacy. Rupa credits her parents with instilling the importance of giving back from an early age.

"If you reap good things, it’s your responsibility to give back," she says, echoing the philosophy of her father, Ram Krishna, who practiced as an orthopedic surgeon in Yuma. "It's always been ingrained in me. This is our first big gift, and it was fitting — we have a happy, healthy son; I can’t think of a better reason to celebrate."

The Low family made a thoughtful choice with their $50,000 donation: they left it unrestricted, allowing BUMCP to direct the funds where they're needed most in the NICU.

"We left it in the hands of the powers that be," Rupa explains. "The boots on the ground are the people that need to make these decisions. We trust their judgment on how this should be used. After all, we trusted them with the most precious gift in our lives." 

This flexibility allows the hospital to address the NICU's highest priorities, whether that's advanced equipment, staff training, infrastructure improvements, or wraparound services for families in crisis.

Coming full circle

A group of medical professionals stand with a family in front of a red wall with text that reads

Recently, the Low family returned to the hospital for a special tour, joined by CEO Dan Post, Associate Chief Nursing Officer Ashlee Kohlhase, and Suma Rao, MD, the NICU’s medical director. For the first time since his discharge, Henry got to see room 459 — the place where his life was carefully monitored and protected during those critical first two weeks.

Today, Henry is a thriving three-year-old. "He's doing great," Rupa beams. "Knock on wood, we haven’t yet hit a hurdle that any other parent hasn’t had to deal with.”

During the visit, the family learned how gifts like theirs enhance both NICU infrastructure and the comprehensive services that help families navigate one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

For the Lows, this gift represents something larger than gratitude to a single institution. It reflects their belief in health care as a community endeavor.

"If we're able to give back to health care in the Valley, that is such a gift for us. Every little bit we do for each other makes the community better," Rupa reflects. "Our lives are better because of the work of the NICU staff, hopefully this gift helps them continue to do that for more families."

Learn how to support your community’s families and babies by making a donation.