By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark couple had double the reason to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day as they welcomed their newest family member at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, part of the RWJBarnabas Health Children’s Network. 
Marie Simmons and Alterik Brown, both residents of New York, were filled with joy as they greeted their little bundle of luck, baby Ari, who made a perfectly timed arrival on March 17, 2025.
Born at 5:33 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces, Ari’s festive entrance added even more joy to a holiday known for its good fortune.
“We are overjoyed to welcome our little daughter,” said Simmons. “It’s a day we’ll always remember, and we feel so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful care and support.”
Simmons, who lives within walking distance of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, knew the time had come when her contractions became steady.
Without hesitation, she made her way to the Emergency Department to prepare for Ari’s birth.
Remarkably, just a day before, she had walked more than two miles around Weequahic Park, a routine part of her pregnancy exercise.
Now, Ari is heading home, where her excited 8-year-old sister is eagerly waiting to welcome her new sibling.
According to a statement released by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Ari is one of approximately 3,000 babies born at the hospital each year.
She arrived under the expert care of Dr. Norma Milanes Roberts, MD, FACOG, a specialist in Obstetrics & Gynecology/Infertility at the Women’s Health Center.
Families at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center have access to an extensive range of maternal and newborn services, including the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the Centering Pregnancy program, a unique model of prenatal care that fosters a supportive group setting for expectant mothers. 
With her St. Patrick’s Day arrival, baby Ari has already proven to be a little charm, bringing happiness not just to her family but also to the dedicated medical staff who helped welcome her into the world.