Baby shares same birth day with hospital and awarded $1,000 savings bond

Contact: Larissa Spraker, 623-882-1502
09/05/2003

On Thursday, September 4, the very day West Valley Hospital was "born," and so was little Valerie Espino. At 10:20 p.m., Janice LaBranche, M.D., Phoenix obstetrician/gynecologist, delivered the 9 pound, 14 ounce baby in the Southwest Valley's newest hospital. "It was an exciting time for the parents, and exciting to be the first doctor to deliver a child in this beautiful facility," said Dr. LaBranche, who is on the medical staff with West Valley Hospital.

Born to parents Maricela Becerra, 32, and Blas Espino, 29, Valerie is the first baby to "officially" be born in Goodyear.

Today, at 2 p.m., Goodyear Mayor Cavanuagh will present a special gift to Valerie on behalf of the City of Goodyear. West Valley Hospital will give her a $1000 savings bond. M&I bank in Litchfield Park opened a $100 savings account today for Valerie, as well.

West Valley Hospital opened its doors on Thursday, September 4 at 7 a.m. at 13677 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear.