Lurie Children's Heart Center

01/09/2026

The Heartsong Choir is now enrolling!
This unique research study from the Bienen School of Music and the Lurie Children’s Heart Center explores how structured singing and music instruction may support breathing and overall well-being in heart warriors with complex congenital heart disease.

Designed for children and teens with Fontan circulation or those who have had 2+ sternotomies and/or thoracotomies, the program is led by expert vocal instructors alongside pediatric cardiology-focused clinicians, physical therapy, and exercise physiology teams. Sessions are offered in person and virtually.

🎵 Ready to raise your voice with us?
👉 Learn more and sign up https://research.luriechildrens.org/en/clinical-studies-search/fontan-choir-singing-as-therapy/

12/25/2025

A beautiful way to honor the legacy of our late colleague, Nancy Koster. 💙 We are deeply grateful to Nancy’s family for continuing her spirit of kindness by bringing joy and comfort to patients in the Cardiac Care Unit through Nancy’s Stockings. Her compassion lives on in every smile she inspires!

Dozens of volunteers spent the weekend stuffing stockings with thoughtful and curated gifts for patients at Lurie Children's Hospital.

12/11/2025

Go Marshall!

12/03/2025

Two incredible nurses. One tiny heart. Big clarity. 💗

Fetal nurses Amy & Nicole break down newborn circulation to help you feel confident and supported as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

You’re part of our heart family — we’ve got you.

11/26/2025

In the Cardiac Care Unit, gratitude is part of the care we give. This Thanksgiving, our team reflects on the moments, people, and tiny heart heroes who inspire them every day.

What are you grateful for? 🧡

11/24/2025

Grateful for the chance to teach Cardiac S.T.A.B.L.E. at Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford last week!
We loved working with clinicians from the NICU, Emergency Department, and transport teams to strengthen skills in recognizing congenital heart disease and stabilizing our tiniest patients.
Thank you for inviting us, we can’t wait to come back!

11/21/2025

✨ A Major First at Lurie Children’s! ✨
Our Electrophysiology team, led by Dr. Sami Chaouki, successfully implanted Lurie Children’s first completely leadless pacemaker in a patient with intermittent heart block. Only a small number of children and young adults in the United States have received this advanced pacing system.
Traditional pacemakers have a device with long wires, called leads, that connect the battery to the inside of the heart. In contrast, this leadless pacemaker system uses two tiny devices, one placed in the atrium and one in the ventricle, that communicate wirelessly, helping the upper and lower chambers beat in a coordinated rhythm.
This achievement was made possible through a remarkable team effort, including cardiac anesthesia led by Dr. Jared Spilka, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) by Dr. Jarrett Linder, and interventional cardiac catheterization by Dr. Jeremy Fox, along with many other dedicated team members.

11/18/2025

Help bring comfort & joy to children spending the holidays at Lurie Children's! Toy and gift donations help ensure kids feel cared for and supported throughout the holiday season and beyond. There are several different ways to help stock our toy shelves this season. www.luriechildrens.org/holiday

11/16/2025

Our pediatric cardiology team spent the weekend in New Orleans at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, where they presented their latest research, collaborated with experts from around the world, and learned new insights in advancing heart care. They bring all of this back to the Lurie Children’s Heart Center with one goal in mind: delivering the safest, most innovative, and most compassionate cardiac care for your child. ✨

11/14/2025

Today is Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day! 💙🧬
We’re proud to celebrate our two amazing genetic counselors in the Heart Center: Sarah Jurgensmeyer Langas and Sara Cherny.

Genetic counselors are Masters-trained professionals with expertise in both medical genetics and counseling. They provide education, guidance, and advocacy to help patients make informed decisions about their health.

Want to learn more about our Cardiovascular Genetics Center?
👉 Check out the Linktree in our profile!

11/12/2025

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who have served — including Dr. Michael Carr, Cardiology Fellowship Program Director and U.S. Navy veteran. ⚓

Dr. Carr’s experience in the Navy continues to shape his approach to medicine — inspiring leadership, teamwork, and a deep sense of service in caring for his patients and mentoring the next generation of pediatric cardiologists.

We’re proud to have veterans like Dr. Carr bringing compassion and commitment to The Heart Center every day.

11/11/2025

Tomorrow we honor Veterans Day, and today we’re proud to highlight one of our own — Willie Willingham, Clinical Services Coordinator and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. 💙

We are honored to have veterans working alongside us in The Heart Center. Your service and dedication make us stronger every day. Thank you, Willie, for continuing to serve through compassionate care. 🇺🇸