Meet Beacon Health System’s first baby of 2026

Beacon Health System welcomed its first baby of 2026 when Chozen arrived at 7:35 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Megan Dawe and Stephen Malone of South Bend welcomed their healthy baby boy after 12 hours of labor.

He weighs 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measures 21¾ inches. Sophia Strudas is the nurse caring for Chozen and Megan today.

For Megan, Chozen’s timing felt like destiny. “I was hoping he’d hold off until today. It was meant to be,” she said.

Chozen is Megan’s fourth and youngest child, joining siblings ages 2, 4 and 6. Stephen and his family spent New Year’s Eve suggesting names, but when Chozen made his New Year’s Day debut, the choice became clear.

“I feel Chozen fits because he was born the first baby of the year,” Megan said. “It’s so exciting. I don’t have the words.”

The new year brought more than just a special birth date for the family. At 39 weeks, Chozen is also Megan’s healthiest delivery, arriving without the complications she experienced with her other children who were born at 34, 36 and 38 weeks.

“He’s the healthiest baby I’ve had. I had complications with the others, but this time there were no issues. He’s just perfect,” she said.

His nurse, Sophia, adds, “I am so grateful that I get to be a part of this special day welcoming another baby into this world!”

Welcome to the world, Chozen, and congratulations to parents Megan and Stephen!