Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

04/17/2026

This Donate Life Month, we’re breaking down commonly asked questions about pediatric heart transplants. Hear from Heart Transplant Cardiologist Dr. Brian Madden as he shares how specialized, life-saving care supports kids at every step of the journey. 🫀❤️

Every year, thousands of children in the U.S. wait for a life-saving organ transplant, and every day matters. Organ donors can help shorten that wait, helping kids receive care sooner and offering them a second chance at childhood. And it's easier than you might think to take the first step. Register to become an organ donor in minutes through your state registry, or learn more about becoming a living liver or kidney donor at
https://www.luriechildrens.org/onegifttwolives/

04/17/2026

When you see a blue vest at Lurie Children’s, you know you’re in good company! 😊 💙

April is , and we are so excited to celebrate the amazing people who make a difference in the lives of our patients and families every single day. Our volunteers serve in a variety of ways, from greeting our guests to participating in fun activities with children everywhere from the Panda Center to patient bedsides. Last year, they gave over 27,000 hours of service – a life-enriching gift felt by all of Lurie Children’s patients and staff. Our hospital would not be the same without the help of each and every volunteer, and we are endlessly grateful for their time. If you see a blue vest today, make sure you wish them a Happy Volunteer Month!

🤝 Interested in volunteering? Visit the link below to learn more!

https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/ways-to-help/volunteer/

04/16/2026

We are accepting applications for CHAMP (Community Health in Action Mentorship Program) until April 25! CHAMP is a 6-week Mentorship and Workforce Development program at Lurie Children's for college level students and emerging professionals interested in community and public health.

Through hands-on experience across our model of CARE (Clinical Care, Advocacy, Research and Education), students will learn about careers in public health and conduct a community health needs assessment and research project!

Program details:

👥 In-person only at Lurie Children's (225 E. Chicago Ave)
🗓️ June 9 - July 16, 2026
⏱️ 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Eligibility requirements:

✔️ College level learners and emerging professionals
✔️Orientation attendance
✔️Ability to complete the entirety of the program

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of community and public health, we'd love to have you apply!

Apply here 👉 https://bit.ly/3QHIR0X

04/16/2026

On Saturday, May 2, the Riverside community will come together for a music festival with one incredible purpose: raising funds and awareness for our patients and their families. What began as a few front-yard concerts during COVID has grown into a beloved community tradition, now welcoming more than 700 music fans each year.

Since 2020, Riverside Rocks has raised more than $290,000 to support organizations like ours. These generous efforts help us continue providing world-class care for children and families when they need it most.

We are honored to be the beneficiary of this year’s Riverside Rocks’ Spring Fling. Join us on Saturday, May 2, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for live music and family-friendly fun for all ages, all while supporting the kids and families at Lurie Children’s.

To buy tickets or learn more, visit: https://my.luriechildrens.org/page/93803/event/1

04/15/2026

Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute's latest In Pursuit podcast episode is available now. Physician-scientist Jennifer Hoffmann, MD, MS, discusses the concerning rates of su***de ideation among children and teens, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Hoffmann highlights how protective strategies that start in the emergency room can help mitigate su***de risks. She also shares how her research journey has evolved into an exploration of the underlying causes of pediatric mental health crises and a pursuit of effective solutions.

Hosted by Patrick Seed, MD, PhD, FIDSA, and presented by Manne Research Institute, In Pursuit features the researchers who are driving advancements at the forefront of children's health.

🎧 Listen to the episode at https://research.luriechildrens.org/en/in-pursuit/from-risk-to-resilience-investigating-youth-mental-health-and-su***de-factors/

04/15/2026

A living donor gave Zariah a future she almost didn't have.

When she was born, her liver, pancreas and intestines were failing. A triple transplant gave her the chance to survive. Today, at 18, she describes her health as "10 out of 10."

"Their generosity was very selfless and an act of love," Zariah says of her donor. "I am proof that organ donation saves lives. Without mine, I wouldn't be here."

Every year, thousands of children in the U.S. wait for a life-saving organ transplant, and every day matters. Living donors can help shorten that wait, helping kids receive care sooner and offering them a second chance at childhood. It's easier than you might think to take the first step, and many people qualify to help with this safe, life-changing gift. April is National Donate Life Month — learn more about becoming a living liver or kidney donor at luriechildrens.org/onegifttwolives/

04/15/2026

Leftovers don’t have to feel boring. Veggies, rice, and beans, all of which are part of WIC’s food package, can refresh leftovers, making them taste like a second dish.

Learn more: https://wegotyouillinois.org

Leftover Chickpea Bowl Ingredients:
• Cooked or canned chickpeas, drained
• Leftover or frozen veggies
• Leftover rice or whole-grain pasta
• Milk or a little cream
• Curry powder Oil + simple seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
Directions: Warm everything together in a pan or microwave. Add milk or cream and curry powder, stir, and heat until creamy.

Las sobras no tienen que ser aburridas. Las verduras, el arroz y las legumbres, todos incluidos en el paquete de alimentos de WIC, pueden revitalizar las sobras, haciéndolas saborear como un segundo plato.

Más información: https://wegotyouillinois.org

Bowl de Garbanzos con Sobras Ingredientes:
• Garbanzos cocidos o enlatados, escurridos
• Verduras sobrantes o congeladas
• Arroz sobrante o pasta integral
• Leche o un poco de crema
• Curry en polvo, aceite + condimentos simples (sal, pimienta, ajo en polvo)
Preparación: Caliente todo junto en una sartén o en el microondas. Añada la leche o crema y
el curry en polvo, revuelva y caliente hasta que esté cremoso.

Together with Lurie Children's, members include:

04/14/2026

Autism Awareness Month is about more than just awareness. It's about acceptance, inclusion, embracing differences and seeing value in the contributions made by people with autism.

Read our recent blog to learn more about autism, including how genetics can help us understand – not define – individuals with autism.

World Autism Awareness Day is about acceptance, not just awareness. Learn how genetics helps us understand autism and why inclusion matters for everyone.

04/13/2026

💙🧩Small acts. Big impact. How everyday kindness helps build autism awareness, on the blog: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/building-autism-awareness-through-everyday-kindness/

Lurie Children's experts offer simple, mindful behaviors everyone can practice to better support the autism community.

04/10/2026

This week, Lurie Children’s nurses and nursing leadership – through our Collaboration, Advocacy, Recognition and Engagement (CARE) Council – joined our Government Relations team for Advocacy Day in Springfield, meeting directly with state leaders to advance policies that support children’s health and the nursing profession.

Over nine meetings, our team shared firsthand experiences from the frontlines of care, advocating to protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program and advance the Nurse Licensure Compact, both critical to expanding access to care and adequately supporting licensure of today’s nursing workforce.

The day marked a meaningful step forward in growing nurse engagement in health policy, and a powerful reminder that when nurses’ voices are heard, even better care is possible for kids and families across Illinois.

04/10/2026

A built-in best friend, an unbreakable bond, and a promise that became a mission to live by. These are the pillars of Andy and Megan’s relationship.

As twins, they were inseparable from the start: competitive athletes and each other’s biggest fans, Lollapalooza buddies, constant sources of laughter. They shared 19 years of unforgettable moments before Megan lost her battle with an aggressive brain tumor in 2023. Now a senior at Mizzou, Andy carries her with him, finding meaningful ways to live out her legacy.

Since freshman year, Andy has been actively involved in Mizzou MoreThan4, an organization that serves, fundraises and advocates for children with cancer. He travels to Washington D.C. each year to champion legislation that eases the burden on patients and families and is extremely proud to have helped pass four bills – including one especially close to his heart: the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act. With his support, the organization continues to expand to other campuses, like University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (where Megan’s dear friend leads the chapter), growing its impact even further.

MoreThan4 has been a powerful outlet to channel grief into fierce action, but it’s not the only place Megan’s influence lives on. Andy is pursuing a degree in Special Education, driven by his desire to be a safe place for kids with disabilities and a force for change. As Megan’s cancer progressed and she began using a wheelchair, it frustrated Andy how others dismissed or underestimated her. Where some saw limitations, Andy saw strength, and the gaps in support so many students face.

His path reflects a deep commitment to building more inclusive, accepting environments and “seeing people for who they are.” A natural leader, he even spent several seasons coaching the men’s wheelchair basketball team on campus.

On , as we celebrate Andy and remember Megan, we're reminded that love is kept alive in so many ways. It’s in the connections made, advocacy pursued, funds raised, kindness extended, experiences shared, music played, races ran... and for Andy, above all, in the stories told.

“It keeps me going; it helps me so much. It’s keeping my end of the bargain.”

04/10/2026