[Carmina Bautista] has pioneered the sick child-care concept in Hampton Roads. The Newport News center is the second of its kind; less than a year ago, she opened the first Kids Comfort Station in Virginia Beach. She will soon open a third center in the Ghent section of Norfolk.

Each facility is staffed with registered nurses and other professionals who have had specialized training for the unique services provided. Debi Silvia, a registered nurse, is director of the new center in Newport News. Silvia, who also has young children, formerly worked in the pediatrics department at Virginia Beach General Hospital.

Staff photo (color) by VALENDA CAMPBELL Cate Lauzon reads a story to Carolyn Reece, 2, at the Kid's comfort Station in Newport News. Lauzon is a registered nurse at the center which provides day care for ill children whose parents must work. Staff photos (b&w) by VALENDA CAMPBELL While Theresa Clark, left, looks on, registered nurse Cate Lauzon, right, uses a stuffed whale to show Carolyn Reece, 2, how she will have her temperature taken. Confined to the "Achoo-choo Stop" with a cold, Carolyn Reece gives up her pacifier just long enough to blow her nose.