Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) invites the community to join in welcoming the arrival of the first baby of 2026. Christopher Lelia (pronounced LEE-luh) Kwakye was born on Jan. 5 at 7:24 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and measuring 19 inches long. Christopher was delivered via induction by Dr. Bradly Skari.
Christopher is the second child of proud mother Janet Benson, a Jamestown resident and employee at Anne Carlsen. Janet’s 22-year-old daughter is eagerly awaiting the chance to meet her new brother when she visits from Liberia.
Christopher is named after his uncle — his mother’s brother. His middle name, Lelia, comes from a traditional Liberian name meaning, “my heart is satisfied.” The name reflects Janet’s love for her new son and honors her family’s heritage.
While resting with her newborn, Benson shared her gratitude for the Jamestown community.
“Jamestown has been a blessing for me — I came here, got a good job and met good people,” Benson said. “And now, I had Christopher here in Jamestown. My heart is satisfied.”
The JRMC Family BirthPlace team was honored to welcome the first baby of the new year and extends congratulations to the family.
“Being a part of the delivery of the New Year’s baby is really exciting,” said Family BirthPlace nurse Tara Simonsen. “This is one of the most special ways to ring in a new year — it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of so many women’s journeys during one of the most meaningful times in their lives.”
2025 Family BirthPlace Fun Facts
341 total babies born at JRMC in 2025:
- 176 males
- 165 females