First baby of 2026 welcomed at Strong Memorial Hospital as the medical center celebrates its 100th anniversary in Rochester

Rochester, New York – As the city welcomed the new year, Strong Memorial Hospital celebrated not only the arrival of 2026 but also a special milestone — its 100th anniversary. The first baby of the year, Amelia Trigg, was born at 6:40 a.m. on Thursday, bringing joy to her family and staff alike.

Amelia’s parents, Holly David and Frankie Trigg of Rochester, described the birth as “remarkably quick,” saying they arrived just in time to ensure their baby would be born at the hospital. Both parents and baby are reported to be healthy and doing well.

Weighing in at 9 pounds, 15 ounces, Amelia joins her older sisters, Gabriella, 9, and Natalie, 1. Gabriella was also born at Strong Memorial, while Natalie arrived at home. The family said the experience was special, as Amelia’s birth coincided with the hospital’s centennial year.

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To mark the occasion, Strong Memorial Hospital presented Amelia with a commemorative gift — a bib featuring the hospital’s centennial logo. The gesture symbolized not only the new life but also the enduring legacy of care the hospital has provided for a century.

“Welcoming the first baby of the year during our 100th anniversary is a truly memorable way to start 2026,” said a hospital spokesperson. “It highlights our ongoing commitment to families and the community we serve.”

Strong Memorial Hospital, which is part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, has been a cornerstone of medical care in the region since its founding in 1926. Over the years, it has grown to become a leading facility for maternal, pediatric, and adult care, serving generations of Rochester families.

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The Trigg family said they felt fortunate to be part of such a milestone event. “It’s amazing to have Amelia born here, especially with the hospital celebrating 100 years,” said Holly David. “It feels like she is part of something bigger, something that connects all the families who have come through these doors over the past century.”

As 2026 begins, Strong Memorial Hospital looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence in patient care while celebrating a century of service to the Rochester community. For the Triggs, the new year could not have started on a brighter note, welcoming Amelia into their family and into the history of a century-old institution.