Families headed to the intensive care nursery at Duke Children's Hospital will now be greeted by 30 inspirational photos of children and teens who were once the hospital's tiniest patients, spending the first months of their lives in neonatal intensive care.

Families were invited to a reception in October where the former patients got to unveil their professional portraits. Each family was also given a copy of their child’s photo.

The project was organized by nurse Laura Litt.

“We wanted families who walk through the unit to see photos of children that they could relate to, and be able to see how well they’re doing now,” Litt said. “We also wanted to do this for staff so when we walk through the hallways, we see those smiling faces of our little heroes who defied the odds and remember that’s why we do this job.”

“The pictures show parents that there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” nurse Kathryn Duarte said.