Urbana NICU Babies Cheer on Illini's Historic NCAA Run

Carle Foundation Hospital staff create custom Illini outfits for tiny patients

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:10am

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Nurses, technicians, and volunteers at the Carle Foundation Hospital NICU in Urbana, Illinois have outfitted over 20 newborn babies in custom-made Illini jerseys, headbands, and other gear to celebrate the University of Illinois men's basketball team's historic NCAA tournament run.

Why it matters

The heartwarming gesture by the Carle NICU staff brings joy to families with babies in the intensive care unit during an exciting time for the local community, as the University of Illinois men's basketball team has advanced further in the NCAA tournament than they have in over 20 years.

The details

The NICU staff spent hours crafting the tiny Illini-themed outfits, including jerseys, headbands, and even cheerleading uniforms, to dress the newborn babies and show their support for the Fighting Illini. The parents of the NICU babies have been thrilled to see their little ones decked out in the school colors.

  • The University of Illinois men's basketball team is currently in the midst of their best NCAA tournament run in over 20 years.

The players

Carle Foundation Hospital

A hospital located in Urbana, Illinois that houses a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

University of Illinois Fighting Illini

The athletic teams of the University of Illinois, which currently has its men's basketball team competing in the NCAA tournament.

Brandi Heylek

A NICU healthcare technician at Carle Foundation Hospital.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, [the parents] love it. I just went and talked to one, and they loved it. They had their little jersey and headband on the bedside, and they just were so excited about it.”

— Brandi Heylek, NICU Healthcare Technician

The takeaway

The Carle NICU staff's heartwarming gesture of creating custom Illini outfits for their tiny patients not only brings joy to the families during a stressful time, but also fosters a sense of community pride and support for the University of Illinois basketball team's historic tournament run.