St. Luke's Children's

01/01/2026

We hope you have a fantastic New Year's Eve and a wonderful 2026. Here are a few reminders from our injury prevention team to celebrate safely this evening!

12/26/2025

🎉 Celebrating 40 Years of Big Wins for Little Patients!

From a four-bed unit in 1985 to Idaho’s largest pediatric ICU today, St. Luke’s PICU has been a lifeline for critically ill children and their families. Discover the stories of resilience, teamwork, and care that have shaped four decades of healing. 💙

This November, the PICU celebrated its 40th anniversary.St. Luke’s Children’s PICU is Idaho’s largest pediatric intensive care unit with 13-beds and an enhanced ability to care for critically ill children.

12/24/2025

St. Luke’s Children’s Toy Box is well underway, and thanks to donors and volunteers, it’s bringing cheer to kids in St. Luke’s care during the holidays. Some of the volunteers who make it possible included Vallivue High School football players and cheerleaders, who worked to organize donations, prepare the “shop” for families and even put together toys that needed assembly. We are so grateful for the community’s generosity and support of this annual holiday tradition!

12/23/2025

We are so thankful to ALL of you who donated to Children’s Toy Box this year. 🎄🎁 We know we’re unintentionally leaving some donors out, but we want you to know how truly grateful we are.

12/18/2025

REMINDER that local first responders will shine their lights tonight at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise! Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

12/18/2025

Need some last-minute gift ideas? The Holiday Safety Gift Guide from our injury prevention team has got you covered!

12/12/2025

Donations to the St. Luke’s 2025 Children’s Toy Box can be delivered starting this Friday, Dec. 12.

Treasure Valley: Donations will be accepted beginning Friday, Dec. 12, between 4:30-6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Children’s Pavilion Healthy Living Conference Room on the first floor. Additionally, donation drop-offs can be made Dec. 15-18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Magic Valley: Donations can be made in bins located near the main entrance next to the Christmas tree or by arrangement by messaging this page.

St. Luke's Children's Hospital created this program to partner with families, helping to reduce holiday stress and create a wonderful holiday experience. St. Luke’s Children’s Toy Box relies solely on items donated by the community.

12/12/2025

REMINDER: The Boise Police Department, alongside several other emergency responders, plan to light up the evening sky with their vehicles’ emergency lights outside St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital and Idaho Elks Children’s Pavilion from 6:30-6:45 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18.

The annual "Shine A Light" event is intended to show love and support for kids and families in the hospital during the holidays.

The 15-minute light display has become a valued tradition, with St. Luke’s working alongside local officials to light up the area along Avenue B and Jefferson Street near the Boise hospital with dozens of vehicles.

Hospital staff are encouraged to look near the skybridge during the event to see the colorful lights!

Please watch for brief road closures in the area around 5:30-7 p.m.

12/11/2025

St. Luke's is delighted to announce that Elizabeth Kleweno, MD, FAAP, has been selected as St. Luke’s new system medical director for the Children’s service line. Her first day in the role was Dec. 1.

Dr. Kleweno is a highly respected clinician, recognized for her dedication to patient care, quality improvement and leading teams.

In this role, she will work alongside service line administrator Katie Schimmelpfennig in a dyad leadership model to shape and advance our strategic vision for children’s health care across the communities we serve.

Beyond her clinical and administrative leadership, Dr. Kleweno is deeply engaged in the medical community through her service on the Ada County Medical Society Board and her volunteer work with several local organizations that support children and families.

Outside of work, Dr. Kleweno enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new adventures, participating in community events and baking cakes for charity.

Congratulations, Dr. Elizabeth Kleweno on this well-deserved appointment and welcome to this critical leadership role.

12/08/2025

🎶 Celebrating 15 Years of Healing Through Music!

At St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, music therapy isn’t just soothing—it’s transformative. From lullabies that calm anxious hearts to drumbeats that empower kids to express themselves, this program helps young patients find comfort, joy, and even strength during treatment.
✨ Discover how music is making a difference →

On the most basic level, a unique program at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital provides just that, helping young patients feel more comfortable via music therapy.

12/05/2025

After more than 26 years of dedicated service, Dr. Henry Thompson will retire as service line medical director for St. Luke’s Children’s on Dec. 8. A celebration in his honor was held Nov. 10, and on Nov. 24, he saw his final clinic patients, closing a chapter that began in June 1999 when he became Idaho’s first pediatric gastroenterologist.

Dr. Thompson’s impact on pediatric care in the region is immeasurable. He built a specialty service line from the ground up, cared for thousands of families, and mentored countless clinicians. His leadership shaped what pediatric specialty care looks like today, fostering programs such as the Trach/Vent clinic and serving as pediatric co-director of cystic fibrosis for 23 years. His commitment to children and families has influenced the very heart of St. Luke’s mission.

As system medical director, Dr. Thompson led a team of more than 100 physicians and advanced practice providers, championing collaboration and implementing best practices that elevated care for the youngest patients.

“Henry’s legacy is one of profound impact, not only on the lives of the patients and families we serve, but also on his peers, staff and the broader medical community,” said Katie Schimmelpfennig, Children’s service line administrator. “We are committed to carrying forward the values and standards that have been the hallmark of his tenure.”

Colleagues describe Dr. Thompson as empathetic, approachable, and deeply committed to listening. “His genuine care and kindness have earned him the trust and admiration of both patients and staff,” said Dr. Vic Kadyan, St. Luke’s Clinic president. “His compassionate approach and tireless efforts have touched countless lives.”

As Dr. Thompson steps into retirement, his influence will endure in the patients he helped heal, the families he supported, and the team he inspired with his humor, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. St. Luke’s extends heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes for this next chapter.