Special to IFN

The opportunity to care for generations of families sets a community hospital like Iredell Memorial apart from some others.

On July 29, 2025, Emily Austin, assistant director of Emergency Services at Iredell Memorial Hospital, gave birth to her first daughter, Ember Nicole.

Cindy Gibson, assistant director of The Birth Place, gave little Ember her first bath. While every child’s first bath is a special experience, this one was particularly unique as Gibson gave Austin her first bath 35 years ago.

“Emily had told me she met Cindy when she started working at Iredell,” shared Karen Kasey, Austin’s mother. “I said, ‘You know she gave you your first bath.’ ”

Kasey, also born at Iredell Memorial, was excited to hear that Gibson would be working when her first granddaughter was born.

“It’s just so special. Emily was my first baby, and this is my first grandbaby.”

Gibson, who has worked at the hospital for nearly 36 years, was honored to share a full-circle moment with the family.

“When Emily asked me, it made me smile,” said Gibson. “It was great to share this experience again with this family.”