On March 1, 2025, The Fetal Institute had the privilege of hosting the Annual Fetal Institute Reunion — a day filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude. This special event brings together families, former patients and their families, creating a powerful reminder of the impact of fetal therapy and the strength of the communities we serve.

This year’s reunion, held again in collaboration with the Brianna Marie Foundation, was more than just a gathering — it was a celebration of life and the power of the advancements in fetal medicine developed and performed by The Fetal Institute founders, Dr. Ruben Quintero and Dr. Eftichia Kontopoulos. The event was filled with children (once patients) running, laughing and thriving, inspiring all attendees and reminding them that hard work and resilience can produce miracles. It was also a time to reflect on how far fetal therapy has come and the ongoing progress we strive to make in providing life-changing care for babies before birth.

The power of reuniting

Families who once experienced the uncertainty of a pregnancy with fetal conditions can meet and connect with others who can relate to their stories and share their joy for the positive outcomes. For the doctors at The Fetal Institute, reconnecting with the families who have trusted them as part of their journeys is invaluable. 

“Each reunion is a celebration of life, resilience, and the power of fetal therapy and fetal surgery,” says Dr. Quintero. “Seeing these children thrive reminds us why we dedicate our lives to advancing care for babies before birth.”

“Reuniting with our patients and their families is both humbling and inspiring,” adds Dr. Kontopoulos. “Their stories push us to keep innovating, ensuring that more babies have the chance to overcome challenges before they even take their first breath outside of the womb.”

The reunion is also an important time for reflection and remembrance of the babies who could not be saved, and the crucial work that lies ahead to develop innovative therapies to provide more chances at life for patients like them. The doctors keep them in their hearts as a reason to continue pushing boundaries in medicine and research, and improving survival rates globally.

To all who attended: thank you for sharing this special day with us. See you next year!

Relive some of the best moments of The Fetal Institute Reunion in the picture gallery below: