Beaufort Celebrates the Arrival of 2025’s First Baby

A warm celebration in Beaufort for the arrival of New Year's first baby.

News Summary

This New Year’s Day, Beaufort joyfully welcomes its first baby of 2025, Robert Medina, born at 1:53 a.m. Proud parents Angela Licona and Roberto Medina are overjoyed with their new arrival. Additionally, Beaufort Memorial Hospital announces new women’s health services, including innovative single-stage reconstructive surgery led by Dr. Heidi Harrington. The community spirit shines as they celebrate both the birth and advancements in health care for women.

Beaufort Welcomes New Year with First Baby of 2025!

The beautiful city of Beaufort is bursting with joy this New Year’s Day as the first baby of 2025 has made a grand entrance into the world! Little Robert Medina came into the world at the chirpy hour of 1:53 a.m., weighing a healthy 8 pounds. His proud parents, Angela Licona and Roberto Medina, are from nearby Hilton Head Island, and it seems the New Year is bringing them the most delightful gift imaginable—a brand new bundle of joy!

A Special Celebration for Baby Robert

What’s a welcome to the world without a bit of flair? Baby Robert was gifted a charming New Year’s hat and sash, carefully crocheted by the talented surgical technicians Merick Murdaugh and Christy Sterling. Their thoughtful creation is not just a perfect touch for Baby Robert’s big debut, but also a heartwarming example of community spirit and care that Beaufort is known for.

Exciting Developments in Women’s Health

While the New Year is kicking off on an exhilarating note with the arrival of Robert, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has more fantastic news to announce! This January, the hospital is excited to roll out enhanced surgical services specifically catered to women’s health. The highlight? A brand-new single-stage reconstructive surgery offering that’s set to change the game for many patients.

Meet Dr. Heidi Harrington

Joining the fabulous team at Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics is Dr. Heidi Harrington, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. With her expertise, patients can now enjoy single-stage breast reconstruction during mastectomy procedures, a feat that used to require travel to Charleston for care. Thanks to Dr. Harrington, locals can receive essential medical services much closer to home.

Seamless Surgical Collaboration

What’s more? Dr. Harrington is teaming up with Dr. Tara Grahovac, a certified breast oncology surgeon, to provide a seamless experience that allows both mastectomy and reconstruction to be performed during the same surgery—known as direct-to-implant surgery. This amazing collaboration means Beaufort residents can now undergo necessary surgeries without the hassle of traveling far and having multiple procedures.

Benefits for Patients

Switching to a single-stage procedure offers a world of psychological benefits for patients as well. No longer will they have to endure a waiting period feeling disfigured or incomplete post-mastectomy. Instead, they will leave the hospital with a sense of wholeness and empowerment, ready to take on the world!

Focused on Community Needs

Beaufort Memorial Hospital is continuously pushing to improve and expand its services to meet the growing needs of the community. Under the leadership of President and CEO Russell Baxley, the hospital is passionate about delivering top-tier specialty care. With the integration of advanced breast reconstruction techniques, they are dedicated to enhancing women’s health services throughout rural and coastal South Carolina.

Dr. Harrington’s Mission

Dr. Harrington’s mission goes beyond just surgery; she aims to provide individualized care that builds confidence. Her extensive experience—boasting over 20 years in plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery—equips her with the tools to cater to each patient’s unique needs, especially those undergoing breast cancer reconstruction.

A Bright Future Ahead

Located in the Okatie Medical Pavilion, Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics is set to become a beacon of hope and excellent care for many in the region. With the New Year off to such a hopeful start, both the arrival of Baby Robert and the innovative advancements in women’s health at the hospital paint an inspiring picture for the community moving forward. Here’s to a fabulous 2025, filled with health, happiness, and new beginnings!