Dignity Health Mercy Folsom staff unite with the first to be born locally amidst hospital’s 35th anniversary year
Almost 35 years ago, a baby girl unknowingly raced against the clock—and the calendar—to claim a unique spot in Folsom history. That girl was Jessica Pheasant at the time, born on January 24, 1990, just days after the Birth Center at Mercy Hospital of Folsom opened, and Jessica wasn’t just any baby—she was the hospital’s very first. Her arrival turned a routine delivery into a landmark event, forever intertwining her life with the story of a hospital that has become a cornerstone of the community.
“Being the first baby born at Mercy Hospital of Folsom has always been a fun little piece of trivia about me,” said Jessica, who holds the married last name of Nicholson today. “My parents kept all the newspaper clippings and pictures, so it’s always been a part of my story. It’s not every day you meet someone who can say they were the very first baby born at a hospital.”
As the hospital celebrates its 35th anniversary, Jessica’s story has taked center stage in a celebration of growth, community, and the enduring bonds between Folsom’s residents and its longtime healthcare cornerstone. If one word is important to Mercy Hospital here in Folsom, its undoubtedly “community.”
Two Folsom firsts unite
When Mercy Hospital of Folsom first opened its doors it was ready to serve a small but growing city. The Family Birth Center symbolized the hospital’s mission to provide local families with high-quality, compassionate care without the need to travel to Sacramento or Placerville for childbirth. That compassion was present from the very first birth that is now Jessica’s little “claim to fame,” as her family muses.
Like most, Jessica’s mother, Vivian, clearly remembers the day her daughter made local history. She chuckled in her conversation with Folsom Times as she explained the circumstances on the day of Jessica’s birth that may have “edged out,” another candidate to be the hospital’s first baby.
“Jessica’s heart rate started acting up, so the doctors decided on a C-section. It wasn’t what he had planned but it became somewhat of an emergency do to their concerns, they made sure everything went smoothly,” she recalls. “I didn’t realize at the time that she’d be the first baby born there—it was just about making sure she was healthy and safe but I think that C-section had a little bit to do with her timing.
Back then, even the doctor was a Folsom resident but the name of Jon Candy. “He was so kind and took great care of us. He played such an important role in that moment,” Vivian shared. He emergency C-section and becoming the official first baby born in the Folsom hospital made for a pretty chaotic day as Vivian recalls, but that wasn’t the only situation happening. At the time of Jessica’s birth, her father Christopher was notified that a very close friend was involved a serious car accident and went to help them, Vivian didn’t know the seriousness of the accident until after Jessica was born as they didn’t want to worry her at the time.
Folsom Times photo by Bill Sullivan.
“So he missed out of getting in the photos that day, I didn’t know what was going on at the time because he didn’t want me to be all freaked out,” she explained. “Everything worked out with them later. It’s just one of those family stories you’ll never forget.”
Lisa Hausman, the President and CEO of Dignity Health’s Mercy Hospital of Folsom was instrumental in tracking down Jessica. After sifting through many old records in storage, she learned that she was still local today and had to reach out to her.
“Jessica’s birth was such an exciting moment because it symbolized not only the start of life for a baby but also the beginning of a long-standing relationship between Mercy Folsom and the families of this area,’ Hausmann explained.
Growing Together
Over the decades, Mercy Hospital of Folsom has grown alongside its city, expanding its facilities and services to meet the needs of a thriving population. Today, the Family Birth Center boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including birthing tubs and a doula program, designed to provide a more personalized and at-home experience for parents.
Looking back through the years, Jessica has seen the growth of both the community and the hospital.”
“When I was born and when I was little, there was hardly anything here,” she recalls. “My husband likes to tell me stories about when he was a kid, how he’d walk down East Bidwell and go fishing in a little pond that’s long gone now. It’s crazy to see how much the area has grown—especially the hospital. It’s such a central part of the community now.”
Hausmann echoed that sentiment. “Obviously, the community’s growing. We’re investing, we’re continuing to grow alongside the community. The Family Birth Center remains a huge area of focus for us, especially with all the young families in Folsom.”
The growth is evident in the numbers. In 1990, the Family Birth Center recorded 109 births. By 2024, that number had soared to 818 so far. And today, each new arrival continues to be celebrated by the iconic lullaby that plays through the hospital’s speakers.
“It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” Hausmann said. “We’ve added so much to complement the birthing experience, like birthing tubs and a doula program, creating more of an at-home birth type experience within the hospital. It’s about making families feel supported and cared for during such a significant moment in their lives.”
A Local Legacy
Jessica’s life is deeply intertwined with the history of Folsom and its hospital. Born at Mercy, she grew up in nearby El Dorado Hills before returning to Folsom as an adult. Today, she can often be found helping her husband, Eric Nicholson, and his family at Nicholson Music Center during busy times, the store is a much loved local business that has been another cornerstone of the community for decades, being one of the main hubs where students purchase or rent instruments, get supplies, take lessons and more.
“My husband and I actually met through music,” Jessica shares. “He was in a Beatles tribute band, and I was playing solo around town. It’s funny because I rented my first guitar from Nicholson’s Music Company, which his family owns. Eventually, we got together, and now we’ve been married almost 10 years. We’ve stayed very connected with the community through the store, it’s amazing how many people we meet today that have ties to it that go many years back.”
Jessica has also watched her family stay connected to the hospital in unique ways. “My sister has two kids, but she didn’t give birth here,” Jessica says. “She did do an internship here when she was training as a paramedic, though. She enjoyed it and said, ‘It’s a good hospital.’”
Her ties to Folsom have given Jessica a unique perspective on its transformation. “I love Folsom. It’s a place that has so much history, and being part of that history is really special,” she says. “It’s amazing to think that the hospital and I have grown alongside each other in the same community.”
Hausmann believes Jessica’s story truly embodies the spirit of the community. “Jessica represents what makes Folsom unique—a sense of connection, history, and shared growth,” she says. “Her story is a perfect example of how the hospital has been part of people’s lives, not just as a place for healthcare but as a cornerstone of the community.”
A full-circle celebration to come
As Mercy Hospital of Folsom continues to celebrate its 35th anniversary, it’s planning a joint birthday celebration for both the hospital and its first baby at the start of the year. “One of the things we had talked about that I would still love to do, if you’re open to it, is a 35th birthday party for the hospital and for you in January,” Lisa said to Jessica during the interview. “I think it would just be great.”
Jessica whole heartedly agreed to the idea. “My dad always joked, ‘They’re going to call you for an anniversary someday.’ I just didn’t know if it would be when I was 35 or 90!” she laughs. “It’s really special to be part of this milestone and to see how much the hospital has impacted our community.”
Vivian, echoed the sentiment. “It’s wonderful that the hospital is recognizing its history and including Jessica in the celebration. It’s a reminder of how important Mercy has been to our family and so many others in Folsom.”
Jessica adds, “It’s not just about my story—it’s about what the hospital represents to this community. I’m proud to be part of that.”
A Bright Future
As Folsom continues to grow, so too does Mercy Hospital. With plans for expansion south of Highway 50 and a continued focus on providing top-tier care, the hospital remains a vital part of the community’s fabric.
“Folsom is such a special place,” Hausmasn added. “It’s amazing to see how the hospital and the community have grown together over the years. We’re proud to be part of that story, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
For Jessica, the hospital’s anniversary is more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the enduring connections that define Folsom. “Being the first baby born at Mercy Hospital of Folsom is a piece of history I’m proud to carry,” she says. “It’s amazing to be part of something so meaningful, and I’m honored to celebrate this milestone with the hospital and my community.”
As the sounds of a lullaby echo through the halls, heralding another new life, Mercy Hospital of Folsom looks forward to many more years of service, growth, and connection—one baby at a time. However, there will only be one that was the very first. That’s a unique title that only Jessica will always hold.
In pictures: Looking back at Mercy Hospital of Folsom’s Birthing Center as it evolved through the years.
