Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital

07/16/2025

In November of 2023, 3-year-old Ellie Mack Barlow was diagnosed with RSV that quickly progressed into severe pneumonia. What started as a routine pediatric visit turned into a month-long stay at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, including 10 days on a ventilator in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Her condition worsened before it got better—requiring surgery, two chest tubes and round-the-clock care. But through every setback, her care team stood by her and her family’s side. Her mom, Shaina, remembers hearing from their PICU doctor, “I promise to care for your child as if she were my own.” And they truly did.

Ellie Mack made a full recovery and was discharged the day after Christmas. Today, she’s nearly five, healthy and dreaming of becoming a princess (or maybe a doctor 🩺👑).

Ellie Mack’s family recently honored several team members with Guardian Angel pins, a heartfelt reminder of how much this journey meant to them: “They weren’t just taking care of Ellie Mack. They were caring for all of us.”

07/08/2025

💉 How much do you really know about childhood vaccines?

Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge ➡️

As a measles outbreak takes hold in several U.S. communities, it's a good time to take the pulse of Americans and their views of vaccinating children against deadly diseases.

07/02/2025

Got a picky eater at home? You’re not alone!

Registered dietitian Kelly Homesley knows the struggle firsthand with her 6-year-old’s “eat the rainbow” mission (no, Skittles don’t count!). 🌈🍎

Read her tips:

Registered dietitian Kelly Homesley offers guidance on smoothies vs. juice for kids and includes nutritious smoothie recipes.

06/26/2025

At 17 years old, Zac Hullander has battled leukemia, seizures and had a stroke - but thanks to surgical treatment he received from Dr. Erin Kiehna at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital, he's now living seizure-free.

06/17/2025

Katie Toussiant was terrified when her 2-month-old daughter suddenly went limp and became unresponsive. After calling 911 and starting CPR, her daughter quickly recovered.

At the hospital, she was diagnosed with a BRUE — Brief Resolved Unexplained Event — an episode where a baby appears unresponsive but then returns to normal.

Dr. Sarah Steelman, medical director at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, explains:

What’s a baby BRUE? A momentary occurrence when an infant suddenly appears to be so lifeless that parents may think they need to start CPR. Learn more.

06/12/2025

As a pediatric ICU physician, Dr. Louis Daugherty approaches each day with deep care and dedication—navigating complex medical challenges while supporting families during some of their most vulnerable and difficult moments. His work is not just about solving puzzles of the body but about offering comfort, hope and strength when it’s needed most. ❤️‍🩹

Outside the hospital, Dr. Daugherty finds balance and joy on the racetrack. Growing up in a family passionate about cars, racing has become his way to reconnect with his love for engineering and problem-solving in a different, more freeing way.

“Fixing a car feels like solving a mystery,” he shares. “And when everything clicks, it brings the same sense of fulfillment I find in caring for my patients.”

For Dr. Daugherty, medicine and racing are connected by more than just precision and science—they both require calm focus and resilience. While he approaches life with caution and care, racing allows him moments of carefree adventure and exhilaration.

06/06/2025

We're celebrating a little differently this year! 🍩

Thanks to a generous grant from the Dunkin' Joy In Childhood Foundation, the emergency room at Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center received a vibrant new mural designed to create a more kid-friendly space.

Adding to the joy, Dunkin' is also donating tickets for patients at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital to attend a Savannah Bananas game this weekend! Two lucky patients — along with their siblings — were surprised by a special visit from Sprinkles, Dunkin’s giant donut mascot, during the mural unveiling who gave them the tickets to the game.

Thank you, Dunkin’, for bringing smiles and joy to our community! 💜

Learn more: www.bringjoy.org

06/05/2025

For years, Matthew Descrochers battled stomach pain, lactose intolerance and painful mouth sores —symptoms that were mistaken for anxiety, infections and minor illnesses. As his growth slowed and discomfort continued, Matthew began to feel isolated from his peers.

Thanks to a quick referral to a specialist and comprehensive testing, Matthew was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease within 30 days. With treatment from Dr. Sarah Higgins, including infusions every eight weeks, he’s grown 6 inches, gained 50 pounds and now lives more like a typical teenager.

Today, Matthew is more than a patient—he’s an advocate. As the Pediatric Honor Hero for the Charlotte Take Steps walk, he’s helping raise awareness and support for Crohn’s and Colitis research. His advice for others? Be honest with your doctor, even when it’s uncomfortable. Speaking up can lead to the care—and the answers—you deserve.

https://www.qcnews.com/news/health/teen-highlights-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ahead-of-charlotte-take-steps-walk/

05/28/2025

Nursing wasn’t Wendy Jurgill Montoya’s first plan—she “fell into it” when a high school friend suggested they both apply to nursing school. While her friend changed her mind, Wendy followed through, and she’s been thankful ever since.

Wendy has dedicated her career to helping kids in their most critical moments. For the past 19 years, she has been an integral part of the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital emergency department, providing care to families in their most stressful times.

What Wendy loves most about her role are the times when she can help turn a scary hospital visit into a moment of courage that can even bring a smile to a child’s face. Whether it's helping them with a breathing treatment or explaining a procedure in a way they can understand, Wendy is there to offer comfort in times of uncertainty. She treasures collaborating with the amazing team of pediatric emergency physicians at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, as they work together to make every day a healing experience for their patients.

05/26/2025

Does allergy season have you sneezing indoors, too? Pediatric allergist Dr. Puja Rajani shared some easy ways to keep seasonal allergens out of the house — especially for pet parents! 🐶🐱

🌼 Keep pets out of the bedroom (we know it’s hard 😢).
🌼 Keep pets off furniture or countertops.
🌼 Bathe your pets often. 🛁
🌼 Groom pets outside to keep dander and hair out of the home.
🌼 Use a HEPA air filter to help trap allergens.

🌙 Bonus: Shower/wash your hair at night and change pillowcases often to avoid tracking pollen into bed.