St. John's Health and Auxiliary welcome "First Baby" of 2020

The First Baby of the Year was born at St. John’s Health at 4:27 am on January 1, 2020. Baby Parke Mary Fariss was born to parents Grace Peck and Jason Fariss of Jackson. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and she joins her brother, two-and-a half-year-old Henry. She was delivered by obstetrician Dr. Shannon Roberts, and her pediatrician is Dr. Karin Klee. Grace and Parke were cared for by nurses Yan Olais, RN, and Ashley Didion, RN.

The Former St. John’s Health Auxiliary recognized the birth by coordinating a warm welcome on behalf of thirty-seven community businesses and individuals, including one from Grace Peck herself, owner of Roam, who didn’t think that she would be the first to give birth in 2020. The Auxiliary presented the family with gift baskets of toys, baby care items, and numerous gift certificates to be enjoyed by the proud parents at local shops and restaurants.

"First Baby" coordinator for the Auxiliary, lactation consultant Janet Wood, RN, along with Auxiliary members Linda Melcer and Becky Rice, extended the Auxiliary's appreciation to the business community for its support of the First Baby program.

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Media contact: Karen Connelly, Chief Communications Officer, kconnelly@stjohns.health

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S HEALTH

St. John's Health in Jackson, Wyoming, offers patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and community wellness through a full-service hospital, primary care and specialty physician practices, and a long-term care Living Center.

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S AUXILIARY

The St. John’s Auxiliary, formerly an extension of the St. John's Health Foundation, was absorbed into the Foundation in 2024 and is no longer a separate entity. The all-volunteer Auxiliary promoted and advanced the welfare of St. John's Health by educating members to serve as community ambassadors, raising funds, and providing service to the hospital and its patients. Over the years, the Auxiliary raised more than $2 million through annual events such as the Spring Fling Gala and the Charity Golf Tournament, with proceeds supporting specific equipment and services for St. John’s Health. It also sponsored events like the Living Center Christmas Party, celebrated the First Baby of the Year, awarded scholarships, and engaged in other charitable activities. Members met monthly and held quarterly social events for members and guests. The dedication and hard work of the Auxiliary volunteers over the years has left a lasting impact on St. John’s Health and the community we serve. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and the countless hours they contributed to improving patient care and supporting our mission. Their legacy of service continues to inspire us.