Unexpected Baby Born at Burning Man, Airlifted to Reno Hospital

At the 2025 Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada, a woman named Kayla Thompson unexpectedly gave birth to her daughter Aurora, despite being unaware of her pregnancy until labor began. The birth occurred in an RV, where a registered nurse, Maureen O'Reilly, along with an emergency nurse and an OB-GYN, assisted in delivering the baby and providing immediate care. Aurora was born prematurely at 35 weeks, weighing just under 3 pounds 10 ounces, and required neonatal intensive care after being airlifted to a hospital in Reno. O'Reilly, who has experience in neonatal critical care, helped keep the baby warm and stable in the festival's challenging environment until medical professionals arrived. The baby's family was unprepared for the arrival, prompting a GoFundMe to support medical and logistical expenses. O'Reilly has since developed a close bond with the family, who affectionately refer to her as their 'third grandma.'