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Photos: A celebration of reading for Children’s tiniest patients

Published on Monday, September 21, 2026

Photos By: Joe Ellis/ UMMC Communications

A carnival-themed celebration brought stories and smiles to Children’s of Mississippi as books were delivered to patients in the Wiser and Sanderson neonatal intensive care units. Children’s leaders and staff joined in the fun, sharing stories with some of the hospital’s tiniest patients.

Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer and staff from Wiser NICU celebrate Read-a-thon at the children's hospital.
Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer, and staff from Wiser NICU celebrate Read-a-thon at the children's hospital.
Charis Jennings, of Union is all smiles while being read to by her parents during Read-A-Thon at the children's hospital.
Charis Jennings, of Union is all smiles while being read to by her parents.
Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer of Children's of Mississippi, reads to Zephaniah Blair and his mom Shaneika during Read-A-Thon at the children's hospital.
Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer of Children's of Mississippi, reads to Zephaniah Blair and his mom Shaneika.
Mercy Bunch, of Sumrall enjoys being read to by her dad, Tyler.
Mercy Bunch, of Sumrall enjoys being read to by her dad, Tyler.
Charis Jennings, of Union looks up at her dad after listening to him read her a very exciting book.
Charis Jennings, of Union looks up at her dad after listening to him read her a very exciting book.
Staff from the Sanderson Tower NICU are wild about reading.
Staff from the Sanderson Tower NICU are wild about reading.
Weston Dyer, of Richton enjoys a story read by his mom, Megan.
Weston Dyer, of Richton enjoys a story read by his mom, Megan.
Zephaniah Blair and his mom Shaneika of Jackson wait patiently for their books to read.
Zephaniah Blair and his mom Shaneika of Jackson wait patiently for their books to read.
Weston Dyer, of Richton listens to his mom read to him his new favorite book.
Weston Dyer, of Richton listens to his mom read to him his new favorite book.