The physical exhibit–featuring the top 10 large format prints and accompanying stories–can be leased for display at your hospital, community events or fundraisers. For information about the exhibit and leasing options, contact
Photo: Brad Smith
Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Columbus, Ohio
Top 10 Honoree
Breathing Easier
For one respiratory therapist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, his purpose in life is providing his patients with the best care. At Nationwide Children’s, Basal administers breathing treatments to kids with asthma, the flu and a host of other respiratory illnesses.
“The kids are the reason I love this hospital,” he says. “They are such innocent beings. Adults are mostly able to help themselves. With kids, you don’t take it for granted. You want to be able to make a difference.”
Basal grew up in Columbus and has lived there most of his life. When he was young, he was treated at Nationwide Children’s. “It made perfect sense for me to give back to where I came from,” he says.
Basal also enjoys working with the unique and extraordinary staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He describes the staff as coming from different cultural backgrounds, of varying age groups and bringing their own experiences to the hospital. “The diverse group of employees I work with helps foster a healthy environment that is conducive to growing as a person.”
Photo: Joseph M. Cascio
John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital; Buffalo, New York
Top 10 Honoree
Ice Cream Social
Adalyn was 3 years old when she was admitted to the James H. Cummings Foundation Epilepsy Monitoring Center at Oishei Children’s Hospital in March 2018. Connected to complex monitoring equipment, Adalyn underwent comprehensive routine testing to rule out a seizure disorder.
When Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream stopped by to deliver some tasty treats to patients and their families, Adalyn couldn’t get enough of her favorite flavor–chocolate! Her smile and positive attitude that resulted was infectious for her family and hospital caregivers.
Fortunately, the seizure disorder tests came back negative, but Adalyn was recently diagnosed with stage 4 vesicoureteral reflux in her left kidney and stage 2 in her right, which can leave her more susceptible to kidney and urinary tract infections.
For now, Adalyn and her family are awaiting additional test results and will most likely seek surgical intervention in the future to protect her kidneys from further damage. Today, Adalyn is full of life with that same contagious smile and lovingly shares her ice cream with her two sisters, Paityn and Ellie.
Photo: Lori Wilson
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Top 10 Honoree
Technology in Procedures
A young boy watches a movie on a tablet as he undergoes a transthoracic echocardiogram in the Heart Center at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. The procedure is performed by an imaging technician while a cardiologist watches the scan in real time. By creating a safe and comfortable environment during these procedures, pediatric patients can relax and remain calm.
Children’s Medical Center Dallas, the flagship hospital of Children’s Health, is ranked seventh in pediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery by U.S. News & World Report. With more than 13,000 outpatient clinic encounters and over 14,000 inpatient admission days in 2018 alone, the Heart Center at Children’s Health is leading the way in care.
“With his parents at his side, laying in a heated bed and his choice of movie on the iPad in front of him, the patient was made to feel very comfortable,” Keith Dixon, the imaging tech conducting the scan, says. “I have a fascinating job at Children’s Health, but the best part is working with the kids.”
Photo: Joseph M. Cascio
John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital; Buffalo, New York
Top 10 Honoree
Paging Dr. Berkley
While in the hospital, 2-year-old Berkley enjoyed playing doctor for a day with a stuffed animal, accompanied by Molly, a child life specialist in the pediatric intensive care unit at Oishei Children’s Hospital. Medical play with his bear gave Berkley a sense of understanding and control over his hospital stay and helped alleviate worries.
Child life specialists are passionate advocates of frequent family visits and involving the entire family in the care of a loved one. At Oishei Children’s Hospital, they work closely with nurses and doctors to incorporate play and educational programming into a patient’s healthcare experience. The goal is to ensure the emotional stability and healthy development of hospitalized children through play, creative arts, social interactions and other activities to mitigate the fear, discomfort and anxiety often associated with medical treatment.
Photo: Kenson Noel
Children’s National Health System; Washington, D.C.
Photo: Lisa Buser
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN
Top 10 Honoree
Separate but Never Apart
In Enugu State, Nigeria, Sam and Mary tried to process the prenatal diagnosis–conjoined twin girls. Their first response was to pray. “We know there are many hands that can do this,” prayed Mary. “But, please, lead us to the hands that can do this job.” Miracle and Testimony were ischiopagus twins–joined at the lower half of the body and sharing a large intestine, two bladders and a pelvis.
In 2016, when the girls were 7 months old, Sam and Mary arrived at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to a team of pediatric surgeons, plastic surgeons, urologists and orthopedists prepared to separate the twins.
“The goals of the procedure were that they would be able to walk, have good healing and a good cosmetic result,” says pediatric surgeon Max Langham, M.D. “Ultimately we wanted them to have a normal family life and be able to have kids of their own.”
The 18-hour surgery with doctors from five subspecialties would separate the girls’ large intestine and conjoined bowels, divided and reassigned ureters and divided and reconstructed each girl’s pelvis. The surgery went beyond expectations. In the months following, Miracle and Testimony made huge developmental steps as separate little girls–trying solid food for the first time, sleeping in separate beds and sitting upright.
“I give glory to God because He used Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and all the beautiful people around us to save the lives of Miracle and Testimony,” says Mary.
Photo: Juan Pulido
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Top 10 Honoree
Baby Allison’s New Heart
Three-month old Allison lies in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Medical Center Dallas as her mother holds her hand. Allison, diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), had one open-heart surgery and a pacemaker installed when she was just 5 days old. Her cardiologists determined that it was too risky to complete the series of surgeries she would need to create a new circulatory circuit that would transmit the oxygenated blood her tiny body needs to survive. Allison’s blue fingertips, seen in this photo, and her erratic heart rate were some of the symptoms that led physicians to place her on the heart transplant waiting list instead.
Allison received a new heart two weeks after this photo was taken. Her mother calls Allison’s recovery “bumpy,” requiring extra days in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. In mid-March of 2018, after spending the first few months of her life in the hospital, her cardiologists finally cleared her to go home. Today, Allison visits once a month for check-ups.
In 2018, Allison was one of 26 heart transplants performed at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. The same year, Children’s Health celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the cardiac transplant program, achieved the best one-year post-transplant survival rate in the U.S., is currently the busiest cardiac transplant center in Texas and the second busiest of all 50 centers in the U.S. Children’s Health is a training center for heart failure and transplant cardiologists, preparing future generations of physicians with the knowledge and skills to treat patients like Allison.
Photo: Allyn DiVito
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital; St. Petersburg, Florida
Top 10 Honoree
Tutu Tuesday
Chloe, Lauren, McKinley and Avalynn met during cancer treatment and quickly became friends forever. Theirs is a friendship that has endured chemotherapy, hundreds of needle sticks, weeks of hospitalization and years of fighting a repulsive disease.
In 2016, with tiny bald heads and frail bodies, they first donned their signature tutus to commemorate National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Tutu Tuesday started an annual tradition of returning to the hospital together. On the day of this photo, nurses received hugs from the “tutu girls,” as they have become known. Others reveled in how fast the four had grown.
During several renditions of “Ring Around the Rosie,” Officer Dean was embraced into the dance. “I thought it was so sweet how the girls welcomed this big security guard into their group,” Shawna, Lauren’s mom, says. “We have walked by him and waved hello, but I would have never imagined what a good sport he was to spin around with these four friends.”
Photo: Jane Kortright
Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
Top 10 Honoree
The Boxer
Gavin is a fighter. At age 9, he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a very rare type of cancerous tumor that affects about 200 people each year. Most often found in males, Ewing sarcoma grows in the bones or the soft tissues surrounding the bones. In Gavin’s case, the tumor began in his back, pressing on his lumbar spine and the nerves controlling his left leg, causing excruciating pain and temporary paralysis.
To relieve the pain and prevent further nerve damage, doctors removed the tumor and began chemotherapy. After the chemo, Gavin started radiation therapy as an outpatient. The goal was to be sure the cancer cells in the original tumor were gone. For a while, they were.
“Gavin put cancer in the rearview mirror and went on with his life,” says his mother, Julie. But about two years after treatment, Gavin started waking up with terrible headaches. An MRI confirmed the cancer was back, appearing at the base of his skull, cervical spine and in his ribs. The news was a devastating blow, but he mustered the strength to fight the cancer again. Since then, Gavin says he’s relapsed five or six times—he’s lost count.
“Over the years, we have used standard chemotherapy to treat Gavin, but we have also tried a variety of other innovative options, including experimental therapeutics and immunotherapy,” says J. Allyson Hays, M.D. “What impresses me the most about him and his parents is they continue to choose optimism, generosity and love throughout his treatment. He is an inspiring young man, and we are exploring every avenue possible to give Gavin a fighting chance.”
Photo: Mike Dickbernd
Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health; Indianapolis
Top 10 Honoree
Child’s Play
When Henry laughs it is a full-body, head-to-toe roar that can fill a room. His laughter is something that the dialysis nurses at Riley Hospital for Children have come to love. It’s a laughter that is easily brought out and one that brings smiles to everyone around him.
His sense of humor and spirit are inspiring for anyone, but they are even more impressive considering what he has been through in his short life. Born with end-stage renal disease, he’s had 35 surgeries by the time he was 3 1/2 years old. The renal disease also meant undergoing dialysis four hours a day, four days a week. More importantly, he needed a new kidney.
After an emotional plea on Facebook, a long-lost friend of Henry’s mother saw the post, contacted the donor coordinator. Colleen was a match.
“That post came from a moment of desperation,” says Henry’s mother, Emily. “I didn’t mean for it to be pitiful, but it was raw.”
On July 18, 2018–coincidently Henry’s fourth birthday–he successfully underwent the surgery to receive Colleen’s kidney. “It’s exciting, it’s terrifying and it will come with complications, but the fact is that it’s all being made possible by somebody else,” says Jones. “I don’t know that there are words – grateful and thankful are not enough.”
Photo: Brad Smith
Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Columbus, Ohio
Rare Cancers and Blood Disorders
Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s nationally ranked hematology, oncology and blood and marrow transplant (BMT) division treats patients with the rarest cancers and blood disorders. The hospital collaborates and participates in treatments across the country and around the world to provide the latest treatment and care options.
The physicians, nurses and care teams are experts who focus specifically on the child and the condition they face.
Photo: Ingrid Barrentine
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center; Tacoma, Washington
Ready to Roll
The healthcare team at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital knows that patients need more than medicine to get better. While Christian’s family spoke with an anesthesiologist, Christian was busy with a child life specialist learning about his hospital experience and playing games. Through play, Christian can relax, which helps both him and his family minimize stress before surgery.
Christian has an entire pediatric team there to support him, putting his needs at the forefront of everything–from his first urology clinic visit, to his hospital pre-operative experience and follow-up calls.
“Our culture of caring for kids is special, authentic, personal and a total team effort, not universal to all hospitals,” says Kevin Gandhi, M.D., pediatric urologist, pictured in the background. “I know what reduces anxiety for a child and their family is the interaction they have with our child life specialists, pre-op nurses and pediatric anesthesiologist. By the time I see my patient for surgery, all their questions, concerns and fears are usually abated.”
Evident by his expression, and thanks to the hospital staff for understanding what their patients and families need to heal, Christian is ready to roll to the operating room.
Photo: Allyn DiVito
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital; St. Petersburg, Florida
Paws on Experience
When 170 kindergarteners from two local Title 1 schools descended upon Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, they were ready for a hands-on, or “paws on,” exercise in health care.
“Our intention was to provide a safe place to explore and learn about hospitalization in the way that children learn the best—through play,” says Kate Loguercio, a teacher at the hospital. “Our teddy bear event gives children the opportunity to feel more empowered and less frightened when they need medical intervention.”
Clinicians, fortified with some 30 volunteers, have the children don gowns, gloves and masks to guide their teddy bear patient through a hospital experience, complete with IVs and injections, showing that they aren’t so scary after all. The event helps kids become familiar with medical equipment and resolve common misconceptions about the health care environment.
Photo: Cathleen Himes
Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago
Friends on the Floor
When Caleb arrived at Shriners, he had a spinal curve of 120 degrees. Diagnosed with kyphosis, a condition in which the spine is curved and protrudes outward, Caleb’s family turned to Shriners to help for the son they recently adopted from China. In addition to kyphosis, Caleb was born with multiple congenital anomalies in his lower extremities, including clubfoot and hip dysplasia. Caleb is also deaf and is working to learn sign language.
Purnendu Gupta, M.D., chief of staff and pediatric spine surgeon, met with the hospital’s spine team and determined that operating with two surgeons would produce the best outcome. A 3D printed model of Caleb’s spine helped the team prepare. Working with 3D models allows surgeons to see the malformations from various angles.
The evening before his surgery, Caleb was feeling nervous. After seeing Caleb was uneasy, Gupta sat on the floor alongside Caleb to show him the 3D model, which helped ease the nerves.
The 10-hour surgery significantly reduced Caleb’s spinal curve and gave him several inches in height. He will continue his care with the orthopedic team at Shriners for his lower extremities.
“At Shriners, we have team of nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, care coordinators, child life specialists, recreational therapists and more who work with our patients every step of their medical journey,” says Gupta. “This team approach allows for great outcomes and recovery with the children we treat.”
Photo: Justin Veneman
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, Tennessee
Ten Hands Round
Kaden is just like any other 7-year-old boy. He stays active in sports, loves movies and wants to be a video-gamer when he grows up. He is also a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The photographer had the opportunity to follow Kaden and his family during one of their visits to the hospital. This photograph of Kaden was done in the procedure area, while he received anesthesia. His mother, father and health care team stay close by his side.
Photo: Seth Dixon
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, Tennessee
Love in Tough Times
Brody and his father, Joe, share an embrace while Brody spends time in the hospital. Brody is a patient at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Like other boys, he enjoys football, riding bikes and playing with his friends. While in the hospital, he still has a smile on his face and his stuffed puppy Dash to remind him of his dog at home.
One afternoon while Brody and his father were spending time together in his hospital room, the photographer was fortunate enough to be allowed into their world to capture a few photos.
“I do not take this task lightly,” says Seth Dixon. “It is a privilege to glimpse into the lives of these families and capture special moments. I can only hope my photographs will provide them with good memories during these tough times.”
Photo: Moriah Ratner
Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital; Syracuse, New York
Can't Look
Twelve-year-old Lola was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a tumor of the nervous system that forms in the glial tissue of the brain and spinal cord. It typically grows rapidly, spreading through the brain stem, making treatment difficult. Surgery is usually not an option because of the precarious location of the tumor. Radiation can shrink the tumor, but it usually grows back within a year.
Melanie Comito, M.D. and chief of pediatric hematology and oncology at Upstate Golisano, was one of Lola’s doctors. There is no treatment for DIPG, but Comito was excited about a new experimental targeted therapy. Even though Lola knew the treatments in the clinical trial would make her very sick, she chose to participate.
“I wasn’t doing it for me,” Lola says. “I was doing it for all the other kids who suffered.” Photographer Moriah Ratner spent almost a year and a half with Lola and her family. Ratner’s images paint a vibrant picture of Lola's energy, passion for life and her determination to do good.
After she completed the trial, Lola started to feel better before declining once again. This time, she didn't waste a second. She won her school walkathon, camped at Niagara Falls and finished a 6K fundraiser benefitting patients with DIPG, leaving a lasting impact. She died in April 2018.
One of the reasons research focuses on DIPG is because of families like Lola’s, who share their story to raise awareness, Comito says. “She was a very special person.”
Adapted from an article published in Cancer Care.
Photo: Lori Wilson
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
All Smiles
Lauren, a registered nurse at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, smiles as her patient giggles during a check of her vitals in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Lauren, who is also a clinical educator and six-year veteran of the NICU, says there are many magical moments she gets to experience while caring for the tiniest of patients.
Photo: Juan Pulido
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Medically Complex Baby With Machines
Two days after open-heart surgery, a baby boy recovers in the cardiac intensive care unit. This wide view of the patient’s room shows the vast amount of medical technology in place for support in the critical days after surgery. Multiple monitors measure every vital sign: heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature and many others. Additionally, he has a breathing tube connected to a ventilator and a pump that infuses medication into his airway to help his heart. A small box near his right foot is a temporary pacemaker that controls his heart.
Many patients, like this baby, recover with an open sternum to allow for the swelling that often occurs after surgery. He’s kept medically paralyzed during this time, with IVs and central lines delivering medications to keep him stable, comfortable and alive.
Photo: Juan Pulido
Children’s Medical Center Dallas
Teddy Bear Clinic
Evan is shown an X-ray of his teddy bear by a child life team member at the teddy bear clinic at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. The teddy bear clinic provides an opportunity for pediatric patients to step out of their role as a patient and become a caregiver. Each child is given a teddy bear and, in their caregiver role, names the bear and decides on a diagnosis. The bear then moves through each treatment station: registration, IV placement, X-Ray and surgery.
This therapeutic activity provides a positive healthcare experience. The bear often serves as an outlet for patients to express their feelings or concerns regarding the bear’s care, or their own. Its impact is far-reaching, increasing a child’s confidence and assisting with coping skills.
Photo: Anh Truong
University of California Davis Children’s Hospital; Sacramento
Hold Tight
Celia Truong
Celia was born at 27 weeks. She weighed in at 1 pound 11 ounces. She was diagnosed with lung immaturity and apnea of prematurity, a condition in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops. As a result, she needed to be on a ventilator for several weeks.
“Fortunately, none of Celia’s complications were too severe,” says neonatologist Francis Poulain, M.D. “However, she did remain at UC Davis Children’s Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 93 days.”
Her mom, Perla, visited every single day. Her father, Anh, captured the early days at the hospital with photographs and video, including this sweet moment when Celia grabbed his finger for the first time.
“It was so important to me that somebody saw and held her every day,” says Perla. “We were told that the more we visited, the more she’d know we were there and the more she’d fight.”
Today, Celia is a bright and bubbly 7-year-old. She is learning karate, piano and computer coding. She speaks Spanish, loves to read books and is already reading at a sixth-grade level. Her parents say they are thrilled at how well Celia is doing and they are thankful for the life-saving care she received at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
Photo: Dan Smith
Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Columbus, Ohio
Inpatient Days
Inpatient hospital stays can evoke a range of emotions for patients and their families. Fear. Uncertainty. Vulnerability. Hope. This image seeks to capture some of the emotions of an inpatient stay, featuring an ill patient and a comforting parent.
More than 1.4 million patients visit Nationwide Children’s Hospital annually. It’s staff of 13,000 employees provide state-of-the-art pediatric care that includes wellness, preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents, as well as adult patients with congenital disease.
Photo: Tamara Wroclawsky
Children’s Hospital of Orange County; Orange, California
Music Therapy
Olivia was born premature and spent the first seven months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Her doctors suspected something else was going on and called their research partner Rady Children’s Hospital for genetic testing. Two weeks later, the results came in. Olivia tested positive for Noonan Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that involves unusual facial characteristics, short stature, heart defects present at birth, bleeding problems, developmental delays and malformations of the bones of the rib cage. Olivia underwent her first of a series of surgeries when she was 2 weeks old.
Despite the NICU’s healing environment, the beeping of machines and steady flow of clinicians in and out of her room overwhelmed Olivia and made her weary of physical touch. Enter Brie Mattioli, a board-certified music therapist. Mattioli’s goals for Olivia included pain management and to teach her how to self-soothe. The calming effects of music therapy was just what Olivia needed. Once her pain started getting better, she was able to show more self-expression and even develop preferences for certain types of music.
“Music promotes a sense of positivity and peace in the room,” Mattioli says. “It wasn’t the nursery the family planned for their baby, but the music helped provide a sense of normalcy.”
When Olivia was discharged from the NICU, her parents were given a CD specially recorded by Mattioli with Olivia’s favorite songs so she could continue healing at home.
Photo: Priscilla Baierlein
Shriners Hospitals for Children Medical Center-Lexington; Kentucky
A Nurse’s Love
Two-year-old Maggie has just received her fourth Mehta cast to treat idiopathic scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Mehta casting is a succession of casts that have been shown to be the best treatment for children with scoliosis, typically applying a new cast every six to eight weeks. Full correction can be achieved without invasive surgery.
“Patients tolerate casts extremely well and is a much better option than bracing,” says Henry J. Iwinski,Jr., M.D., chief of staff and pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Shriners in Lexington. “This treatment method has been revolutionary in the care of these children.”
After Maggie came out of anesthesia with a pink Mehta cast wrapped around her stomach, she became anxious. Post-anesthesia care unit nurse, Katy, picked Maggie up to comfort her as she rested after a tough procedure.
“As a parent, there are no words to describe how you feel when you see a picture of a nurse holding and loving your child, during one of their most vulnerable times, as if she were their own,” says Megan, Maggie’s mother. “We are thankful for the peace of mind knowing our daughter is being cared for by staff that not only focuses on providing the best medical treatment, but also focuses on making sure she feels safe, comfortable and loved.”
Photo: Sarah Lassen
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children; Dallas
Going for Gold
Great gymnasts have a fierce determination to improve their skills, but Aspen is unstoppable. After a lawnmower accident at her grandparents’ house left her without a right foot, Aspen endured four surgeries and months of recovery. But she always had her eye on the prize: returning to gymnastics.
Aspen received much of her care and treatment at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. She was under the care of the hospital’s chief of staff emeritus, Tony Herring, M.D., and a full team of child life specialists, physical therapists and prosthetists. “When she went back to gymnastics, she went straight to the balance beam,” Aspen’s mother, Mary, says. “If I could go back and change things now, I wouldn't. She has been an inspiration to me, her family and everyone around her without even trying.”
“I had an accident, but I can do anything anyone else can do,” Aspen says. Her next goal is to get a prosthesis with blades that allows her to bounce more and to compete in the Olympics someday.
“A year out from her surgeries, Aspen is now running, playing and back to her gymnastics. I think she has a great future ahead,” Herring says.
Photo: Julia Serat
Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California; Sacramento
Becoming Independent
Conjoined twins Eva and Erika made national news in 2016 when they were surgically separated at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. A few months after their surgery, the twins made their first visit to Shriners where Joel Lerman, M.D., and team began to help the girls on their recovery journey.
Lerman knew the orthopaedic challenges each girl faced–one leg, the lack of a fully-formed pelvis and scoliosis. He tasked orthotic and prosthetic specialists with designing devices that would allow the girls to move freely on their own.
Eva and Erika were driving their very own bright pink wheelchair cars at age 2. Now, at 3 years old, the girls are walking on new prosthetic legs. “With their lack of a full pelvis and severe scoliosis, it was uncertain if bearing weight through a prosthetic socket would even be possible to accomplish without excess pressure,” says prosthetist Eric Smith.
Orthotist Michael Wadekamper was brought in to help design a full-trunk brace, similar to braces designed for scoliosis patients. “I knew we would have to use as much surface area as was available to support their weight and with Wadekamper’s expertise we accomplished that goal,” Smith says.
“Walking would remain impossible if it were not for the ingenuity of Wadekamper and Smith,” says Laura Van Houtryve, physical therapist. “With a little encouragement, the girls now play, walk and explore upright on their feet, rather than scooting on the floor.”
The twin sisters are supported every step of the way by their parents Aida and Arturo, who are thankful to all the medical professionals who have provided care for their daughters.
Photo: Joseph M. Cascio
John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital; Buffalo, New York
Photo: Gara Dyson
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Tri My Best Triathlon
Every year, the Carol and Paul Hatfield Cerebral Palsy Sports & Rehabilitation Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital hosts the Tri My Best Adaptive Triathlon on the Washington University campus, giving kids, like Kyle, a chance to hear the roar of the crowd as they cross the finish line.
The event offers an adapted environment for athletes with motor disorders, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and spinal cord injuries. Athletes swim in the university pool, bike and complete the running/walking/wheel chair race where more than 300 volunteers–including local high school athletes, cheerleaders, family and friends–fill the bleachers and walkways, cheering on the athletes.
The event has been held for four years and 60-80 athletes participate annually. Events like this strengthen a child’s body, mind and spirit and can be emotional for families to witness.
“The amount of support and encouragement shown to my son was overwhelming to watch,” one parent says. “I have the best memories and we are so grateful to all who helped make it happen!”
Photo: John Maniaci
American Family Children’s Hospital; Madison, Wisconsin
Witnessing a Miracle
“This baby boy is about to be held by his dad for the very first time,” says Alison Schlimgen, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. “I’ll always remember the day this picture was taken. It is one of those extraordinary moments that happen every so often in life that leave you feeling breathless.”
This baby was born critically ill. For weeks, hospital staff cared for him in the NICU, but his condition continued to worsen. Weeks were filled with agonizing conversations with his parents. There was simply nothing left to do; there were no treatments left to try. Whispered conversations uttered words such as “grave condition” and “comfort care.”
With great suspense, the healthcare team watched as lab values suddenly began to improve, vital signs stabilized and spontaneous breathing began to occur without the help of a ventilator. Together with his parents, this baby was fighting for his life.
Fast forward to the day of the photo, when Schlimgen was about to hand this boy to his father for the first time.
“As I picked this baby up, I was suddenly and completely overtaken by emotion,” says Schlimgen. “What was happening in this child’s life was something beyond a scientific or medical explanation. I was witnessing a miracle.”
Photo: Mike Dickbernd
Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health; Indianapolis
NICU Care
Miyah was born prematurely at 27 weeks. She was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Riley Hospital for Children, where she received around-the-clock attention. Here, health care team members can focus on Miyah’s medical needs.
Approximately 15 percent of all deliveries result in a NICU stay. NICUs provide special care for premature and critically ill babies. At 5 weeks old, Miyah is doing well and is being prepared for an upcoming surgery.
Photo: Christy Steadman
Niswonger Children’s Hospital; Johnson City, Tennessee
Summer Smiles
At just 1 year old, Summer has proven she’s a fighter. When she was diagnosed with glaucoma at just 3 weeks old, the ophthalmologist noticed a red mark on her face and recognized it as a port-wine birthmark. The glaucoma diagnosis combined with the birthmark were the first signs that Summer had Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare genetic mutation that affects about one in 50,000 babies.
Sturge-Weber syndrome symptoms can include loss of vision field, seizures, developmental delays, paralysis, migraines, ischemic stroke, endocrine issues and organ irregularities. Summer’s first seizure occurred when she was just 3½ months old. Her parents immediately rushed her to the emergency room at Niswonger Children’s Hospital.
Summer will need continued medical care for the loss of volume on the right side of her brain, which causes significant left-sided weakness. She currently receives physical, speech and occupational therapy services at the hospital. “We are relieved to know that when Summer needs care, Niswonger Children’s is close by,” says Beth, Summer’s mom. “The staff are truly angels. My husband and I grateful for the extraordinary care Summer receives and the comfort they provide our family. They are always there to help us through.”
Photo: Mike Dickbernd
Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health; Indianapolis
Occupational Therapy
A propane heater explosion caused burns on more than 50 percent of Carson’s body.
“I photographed Carson, age 12, as he worked with occupational therapist Kiley Parry,” says Mike Dickbernd. “Carson was completing upper extremity reaching and grasping activities in order to improve his range of motion, arm strength and fine motor skills. He was removing and applying the colored suction cups to the mirror as part of his rehabilitation.”
Carson was in occupational rehab for about four weeks. In the middle of his rehabilitation he returned to the burn unit for surgery. Thanks to his rehabilitation sessions and his hard work, Carson continues to show improvement every day.
Photo: Dan Smith
Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Columbus, Ohio
Angel Hearts
At Tabatha’s 20-week ultrasound, she learned her unborn baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital defect where the heart is not properly developed. As soon as Walker was born, he was whisked away to Nationwide Children’s. Two days later, he had his first open-heart surgery. His second surgery was at 4 months old. Finally, in time, Walker was be able to go home to be with his three older brothers.
Then, at the age of two Walker’s condition began to deteriorate. The family returned to Nationwide Children’s in the spring of 2016 for Walker’s heart transplant. The family was overwhelmed with emotion when the call came letting them know there was a heart available for Walker. While extremely happy for this new heart, they were also saddened by the knowledge that a little one that had donated the heart had not been as fortunate.
Because of this little angel, and the experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Walker is now able to run and play with his brothers. For the rest of his life, he will need medications, catheters and biopsies. In 10-15 years, he will need another heart transplant.
Photo: Matt Bilancia
Shriners Hospitals for Children-Tampa; Florida
Ponseti Casting
Remingtynn was born with a right clubfoot, a condition that causes a baby’s foot to point down and turn in. At 2 months old, she underwent a surgery to lengthen her Achilles tendon.
She came to Shriners when she was 3 months old. Surgeons put her foot in a series of Ponseti casts–named after Spanish physician Ignacio Ponseti who developed the unique casting technique in the 1940s. The brace holds Remingtynn’s foot in the proper position to allow for adjustments. Even though only one foot was affected, doctors recommended the brace for both feet for better correction.
Remingtynn is transitioning from wearing the brace full-time to only wearing it at night and during naps. She will continue wearing the brace until she is 4 years old. Remingtynn’s mother, Lydia, describes her as a happy baby “with the personality of an old soul.” Now that Remingtynn no longer needs to wear a brace full time, she is learning to crawl.
Photo: Matt Bilancia
Shriners Hospitals for Children-Tampa; Florida
Lokomat Gait Trainer
Six-year-old Mitch is one of many patients at Shriners that has benefited from the Pediatric Lokomat, a robot-assisted gait trainer that helps with mobility conditions such as cerebral palsy. “The Lokomat has improved Mitch’s overall coordination, motor planning and functional ambulation,” says Erica, Mitch’s therapist. “He now shows greater independence during these sessions and needs less help from me.”
Mitch, who loves reggae music, blows kisses to the staff whenever he shows up for his weekly therapy sessions. He is enjoying this new independence and smiles from ear to ear when it’s time for therapy.
“He’s always happy,” says Gillian, his mother. “I am thankful for the care he receives. He is now able to sit more independently, which makes dressing him and putting on his braces much easier.”
Photo: Sarah Lassen
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children; Dallas
Kamoy’s New Legs
Kamoy’s bright smile and exuberant spirit bring joy to everyone she meets. This photo was taken while Kamoy was learning to walk on her prostheses. She is cheered on by her care team of prosthetists, therapists and Tony Herring, M.D., chief of staff emeritus.
Her care team analyzes her balance, the prosthetic’s function and her overall progress. The team approach is one of the best ways Scottish Rite Hospital helps patients like Kamoy become success stories.
Photo: Callan Henrich
Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare; St. Paul, Minnesota
Made for Play
Dominic is a talkative 4-year-old who loves dinosaurs and superheroes–especially Batman. The playground is one of his favorite places to practice using his prostheses, which are custom-made, artificial limbs.
“Dominic was born without hands or legs,” says Ana, Dominic’s mom. “We were referred to Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare for guidance with prostheses and physical therapy.”
When he was about 18 months old, Dominic was introduced to leg prosthetics. Over the years he has grown stronger, adapted and gained a good foundation of skills. His prostheses combined with his physical therapy and many doctors and specialists have helped him become the independent kid he is today.
“Now at age 4, he uses his leg prostheses more and more, and soon we’ll look into options for arm or hand prosthetics—though he is very capable without them,” says Ana.
As he treks across the playground, his strength and spirit are hard to ignore. “He’s a tough kid, both physically and mentally, and we can’t wait to see what he does next,” says Ana. “It’s so rewarding to see his progress and watch him enjoy the same things as other kids.”
Photo: Justin Veneman
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Memphis, Tennessee
Patrick Holds his Daughter
As photographer Justin Veneman walked the inpatient floors, he passed Paislee’s room while she and her father, Patrick, were sitting together. Having crossed paths with Paislee and her family a few times at the hospital, Veneman greeted them and asked if he could capture the moment. They held each other tight, ignoring Veneman as he took their photo.
Photo: Allyn DiVito
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital; St. Petersburg, Florida
Story Time
Sharon Wurster loves reading to children. “I love it when I can cheer up a child and make their day better,” says Wurster, who volunteers at the hospital once a week during the school year and twice a week in the summer. She prides herself on being able to “read the room,” and with a grin, she pulls Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day from her cart.
“I have a special place in my heart for sick kids away from home,” Wuster says. “Having a bad day is the very thing I try to prevent for the children I visit.”
“When Sharon began reading, I quickly became invisible to the little boy,” says photographer Allyn DiVito. “She immediately transported Cole out of the hospital and into the story. Their eyes locked and it was magical. This photo was taken halfway through the book, but by that time, Sharon had me hooked too, and I had stay and hear the end.”
Photo: Tammy Czigan, GPL Studios
Wolfson Children’s Hospital; Jacksonville, Florida
Photo: Cathy Lyons
Dayton Children’s Hospital; Ohio
Thumbs Up
Kiki was born with short bowel syndrome. As a result, much of her intestines had to be removed and she spent the first part of her young life at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
“Sass with attitude” is how the hospital staff affectionately describe her. Kiki is independent and focused on fun–whether it’s with crafts in the playroom, party dances or bath time with her Barbie dolls–she finds joy all around her.
When Dayton Children’s opened its new patient tower, Kiki gave it a thorough inspection and issued her approval of the new lobby, interactive wall and play spaces with an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Photo: Joe Ellis
Children’s of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi
Making History
Jharad is in a class of his own. He is one of the youngest patients to receive a heart transplant at Children’s of Mississippi–a health care system that includes Batson Children’s Hospital and the University of Mississippi Medical Center pediatric care.
Jharad was born with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, a critical congenital heart defect. One of his heart valves wasn’t functioning correctly and his heart was getting very little blood in and out of the right ventricle. He also had abnormal coronary arteries.
He was transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center where Brian Kogon, M.D., performed heart surgery to restore reliable blood flow. However, other organs soon began to fail and Jharad’s lungs were not strong enough for him to breathe on his own. EKG and other tests prompted Avichal Aggarwal, M.D., to place Jharad on the United Network for Organ Sharing list. A match became available a month and a half later.
In 2017, Kogon, chief of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Batson Children’s Hospital, performed heart transplant surgery on 3-month-old Jharad. “Since the heart transplant Jharad has had multiple stays in the hospital,” says Aggarwal. “But none of the stays have been related to the transplant. He has had no problems with his body rejecting the new heart and continues to improve each time we see him.”
According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research, about one out of every 10,000 babies is born with some type of pulmonary atresia. Thanks to Children’s of Mississippi and the United Network for Organ Sharing program, Jharad is doing just fine.
Photo: Sarah Lassen
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children; Dallas
Miracle Takes a Stroll
Nothing slows Miracle down or gets in her way. When she first came to Scottish Rite Hospital for scoliosis treatment, she was placed in halo gravity traction for several weeks to prepare her for her surgery. The place she loved to visit the most during this time was the hospital’s child life playroom.
Child life specialists at Texas Scottish Rite focus on the social, emotional, developmental and educational needs of patients. To help reduce fear and encourage healthy coping skills, the team of caregivers help patients prepare for medical procedures. Patients are supported with education about their diagnoses; taught coping techniques to use during medical situations; and engage in medical play and other outlets to channel their self-expression.
After her spinal fusion surgery, Miracle was encouraged to improve her recovery through movement. Child life specialist Andrea Brown suggested Miracle take her doll for walks around the hospital, which she did with enthusiasm. Not only did Miracle get her exercise, but she also got to show off her doll during her recovery progress.
Photo: Justin Kelley
Women and Children’s Hospital University of Missouri Health Care; Columbia, Missouri
Bubble Time
Regardless of your age, being in the hospital can be a stressful experience, but for a young child it can be a very scary place. Child life specialists like Katie Ellis encourage fun and stress-free environments where kids can be kids.
Child life specialists are essential and provide support in many areas of the hospital: the pediatric inpatient unit, pediatric intensive care unit, hospital’s emergency, radiology and surgical departments. They play a vital role in the lives of pediatric patients by providing compassion, support and a positive experience for both patients and parents. They also focus on a child’s emotional needs and coping strategies such as blowing bubbles–a fun and great way to instill deep breathing needed for relaxation and stress relief.
“It is wonderful to have child life specialists here,” says Kadyn’s mom Katie. “I watch my daughter ask the child life specialist questions that I know she wouldn’t have thought to ask if she hadn’t brought in the medical doll to demonstrate on. It’s almost like having a built-in counselor. As a parent, these conversations give me greater insight into what Kadyn’s worried about, and we can have deeper conversations about the procedure and her emotional concerns.”
Photo: Lisa Butterworth
University of California Davis Children’s Hospital; Sacramento
Helping Paws
Huggie is a 2-year-old Labrador retriever facility dog, provided by Canine Companions for Independence, and he supports many children receiving treatments at the UC Davis Pediatric Infusion Center. Dogs like Huggie are a tremendous help in normalizing and motivating pediatric patients. Their presence aids in reducing fear, stress, anxiety or pain the patients may be feeling.
In this photo, 4-year-old Bill is getting his central line accessed. “My son hates ‘pokies,’ as we call the needle sticks” says mom, Victoria. “But Huggie helps tremendously by lying next to Bill. He is instrumental in distracting Bill during these sometimes-painful treatments.”
UC Davis pediatric oncologist Marcio Malogolowkin, M.D., and child life specialist, Jenny Belke can attest to the many benefits therapy dogs provide patients. “Huggie brings such comfort and support to our patients, families—and staff!” says Malogolowkin. “It’s just one more sign of our hospital’s commitment to quality pediatric care and the patient experience.”
Photo: Lisa Butterworth
University of California Davis Children’s Hospital; Sacramento
Award-winning Care
Carter Todd has been a pediatric intensive care unit nurse at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for the past three years. He considers it a huge honor to help children and families when they are at their most vulnerable.
“To me, this picture represents the passion that we have in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for putting patients and families first. We have a concerted focus to always remember who the children are outside of the hospital and outside of their sickness. I feel very lucky to work in such a great unit!” says Todd, pictured here with 5-year-old PICU patient Itzel Gonzalez.
Todd received the 40 and Under Award from the National Black Nurses Association in August 2018 and knows first-hand how his nursing role benefits his community. To increase the number of African-American men in nursing, he conducts research in three Sacramento barbershops.
Photo: John Maniaci
American Family Children’s Hospital; Madison, Wisconsin
Mother’s Kiss
Due to a low heart rate and inhalation of meconium in the womb, Noah was delivered early via emergency Cesarean section. He was transported to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at American Family Children’s Hospital where he was treated with oxygen support and medication.
“Noah’s lungs were under developed and when his weight began to drop, I began to worry,” says Noah’s mom, Lisa. “The NICU staff were wonderfully supportive and addressed my multitude of questions and concerns. They were very considerate of my wishes for my son and provided a place at the hospital for me to be by his side during his three-week stay.”
Not only did Noah receive excellent medical care, but the nurses and doctors also provided a warm and loving environment to go along with it. Today, Noah is in excellent health and is hitting all the marks on his growth and development charts.
Photo: Sophie Fabbri
Boston Children’s Hospital
Complex Heart Surgery
When Colin was 2 years old, he needed a biventricular repair for his double-outlet-right-ventricle (DORV), a complex heart procedure. This would be Colin’s third heart surgery.
“We really wanted this biventricular repair for our son, but we had to make sure it was the best thing for him,” says his mom, Catherine. “We explored every option carefully and found ourselves at Boston Children’s Hospital.”
The decision to travel from Texas to Boston was a big undertaking for the family, but Boston Children’s was the best place for Colin to get the specialized pediatric cardiac surgery he needed.
“I don’t ever want this experience to feel like anything less than extraordinary,” say Catherine. “It was extraordinary. We were told his surgery may be impossible, but it was not only possible, it was hugely successful.” Two weeks after surgery, Colin and his family were back home in Texas.
Now 5, Colin is thriving. He has no restrictions on activities, and enjoys riding his bike, skiing and playing with his five older siblings in Colorado, where the family now resides.
“He’s also a big ham, as you can see by this photo,” says Catherine. The doctors confirmed Colin’s heart looks great and he is set to live a long and full life.
Photo: Ben Cook
Primary Children’s Hospital; Salt Lake City
Lunch Date
As an infant, Ayah was hospitalized with a host of medically complex conditions. When her future was uncertain, and Ayah’s family was far from their home in Nevada, nurse practitioner Kelly Kelso supported them and helped Ayah obtain the comprehensive care she needed.
In this photo, 2-year-old Ayah shares a moment of celebration with nurse Kelly during a weekly parent lunch hour hosted by the Rainbow Kids Palliative Care team. This team creates opportunities for connection and, in addition to the lunches, there are also social media support groups and community resources all designed to last throughout the course of the child’s complete care. “We will follow Ayah and her family longitudinally, regardless of the outcome,” Kelly says.
“Even in the darkest moments of palliative care, there are moments of immense joy that families feel and that we feel when taking care of them,” Kelly says. “These special lunch hours are such a different interaction than we have clinically, and it’s wonderful when we have a chance to see kids when they’re not at their worst, and celebrate good, fun moments together.”
“When there is nothing certain in you or your child’s life, it means a great deal to know that our palliative care team and other hospital providers are there for support.” says Dominic Moore, M.D., medical director of Rainbow Kids Palliative Care. “No matter what the future holds, our team will be there every step of the way.”
Photo: Kevin Sisemore
Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
Tristyn
Nine-year-old Tristyn wasn’t supposed to live past age 4. She was born with several of her organs outside of her body and her intestines were severely damaged due to a condition called Gastroschisis. Her parents, Jill and Leon, were told she would never live a normal life.
“We couldn’t accept it, but we found hope at Children’s Mercy,” Jill said. “There have been ups and downs, but we treat Tristyn the same as our two sons, modifying her environment where needed and she is thriving. Her journey and has truly been remarkable.”
Since Tristyn’s body doesn’t absorb nutrients well from food, she receives nutrients through an IV. There have been long stretches of time when she has been in the hospital—or has had to receive tube feeds—but, overall, her Children’s Mercy team has found a plan that monitors her closely and keeps her healthy. Tristyn wants to be a worship leader when she grows up.