When a newborn needs intensive medical care, every second matters, and so does every mile. For families across west Georgia and east Alabama, the Sally and John Francis Tanner Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Tanner Health provides specialized care close to home, allowing parents to stay near their babies during some of life's most uncertain moments. This year's Tanner Polo Classic supported the expansion of those critical services.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, supporters gathered at Adams Farm in Carrollton for the event, which combined the excitement of polo with a mission to strengthen neonatal care for some of the community's most vulnerable patients. Proceeds from the event are benefiting the expansion of the Sally and John Francis Tanner NICU.
Year after year, families put their trust in Tanner's neonatal care team during some of life's most joyful, and sometimes most challenging, moments. The NICU provides advanced, around-the-clock care for premature and medically fragile newborns, ensuring families have access to exceptional care without leaving home.
As the region continues to grow, so does the need for specialized neonatal services. In 2025, more than 2,100 babies were born at Tanner, and 175 newborns required care in the NICU. The current 10-bed Level III unit frequently operates at or above capacity, emphasizing the need for more space and resources to meet the growing demand for neonatal intensive care.
“Every parent hopes for a healthy beginning for their child, but not every journey starts as expected,” said Nichole Fannin, executive director of Tanner Health Foundation. “Families deserve access to exceptional care close to home when they need it most. The Tanner Polo Classic represents the very best of our community, coming together to invest in healthier beginnings for babies and families across our region.”
The expansion will strengthen Tanner's ability to care for newborns who arrive prematurely, require respiratory support or face other serious medical challenges. Beyond providing advanced medical care, the NICU helps reduce the emotional and financial burden often associated with traveling long distances for treatment.
RaLin, the construction partner for the expansion and one of the presenting sponsors of the 2026 Tanner Polo Classic, has been a longstanding supporter of Tanner and the communities it serves.
“At RaLin, we believe the true value of what we build is measured by the lives it touches,” said Kristi Garrett, chief marketing officer and owner of RaLin and a trustee of Tanner Health Foundation. “This project is deeply personal to us. Many members of our family and RaLin team have welcomed children and grandchildren into the world at Tanner, so this investment in newborn care truly hits close to home. We’re honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Tanner and help provide care, comfort and hope to families across west Georgia and east Alabama during life’s most joyful and vulnerable moments.”
Established through the generosity of the Tanner family, the NICU is named in honor of Sally and John Francis Tanner. Throughout her nursing career, Sally Tanner cared for mothers and newborns in labor and delivery, postpartum care and lactation support, leaving a lasting impact on families throughout the community. Today, that legacy continues through the dedicated physicians, nurses and caregivers who care for Tanner’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients.
The 2026 Tanner Polo Classic is projected to push the cumulative total raised in support of the expansion of the Sally and John Francis Tanner NICU to more than $1 million. The strong community response reflects a shared belief that families should not have to leave their community to access exceptional neonatal care when they need it most.
While the Tanner Polo Classic provides a fun afternoon of sport, vendors, raffles, music, a live auction and fellowship, its true purpose extends far beyond the field and fun. Every sponsorship, donation and act of generosity helps create healthier beginnings for newborns and strengthens care for families throughout the region.
Those interested in supporting the expansion of the Sally and John Francis Tanner NICU can make a gift by visiting TannerHealthFoundation.org.
About Tanner Health Foundation
Tanner Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Tanner Health. Through charitable giving, the foundation supports strategic projects, innovative programs, technology and facility enhancements that advance healthcare access and excellence throughout west Georgia and east Alabama.
About Tanner Health
Tanner Health is a five-hospital nonprofit health system providing convenient, personalized healthcare to communities across west Georgia and east Alabama. Tanner Health physicians and staff provide the latest technology and treatment options to advance the health of its patients. In addition to its regional hospitals and care centers, Tanner operates Tanner Medical Group, one of metro Atlanta’s largest multispecialty physician groups. Learn more at tanner.org.