UF Health Shands Children's Hospital

02/12/2026

Ever heard of "Squid Lovies"?

Find out what they are and how these cute, knitted companions help some of the smallest patients in our Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. 🥰

Hospitalized babies and children often rely on medical tubes and cords that are essential to their care, yet difficult for small hands to ignore. To keep young…

02/11/2026

Today, marks the 27th year of Bear-a-Thon, where your $40 donation provides a cuddly bear or chemo duck to children in treatment at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. 🐻🥰

To donate by phone, call 352-622-5600.

Learn more and find other ways to donate at: https://stopchildrenscancer.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/26bat

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 93.7 K COUNTRY, WIND-FM and 352today will be hosting the 27th Bear-a-Thon to support children at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital! With a $40 donation, you can provide a bear or chemo duck for the children in treatment — bringing comfort to them and their siblings. 🐻🦆

Every donation helps to continue life-saving clinical trials and research toward the prevention, control and cure of childhood cancers at Stop Children's Cancer, Inc.. Together, we can bring happiness and be a beacon of hope! 💙

Donate Now: https://stopchildrenscancer.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/26bat

02/09/2026

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Healthy Heroes Day, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at UF Health Professional Park!

Our free community event features a bike raffle, prizes, music, free bike helmets, an obstacle course, and several community wellness organizations providing safety demonstrations and tips for healthy living.

Stay tuned for more event details and visit, UFHealth.org/HealthyHeroesDay

02/06/2026

It's National Wear Red Day!

Our Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and UF Health Congenital Heart Center care teams are honored to help raise awareness and support patients and families living with cardiovascular conditions❤️.

02/03/2026

When Serra Weller was 4 months pregnant, her baby was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect.

The Weller Family found more than life-saving care at the UF Health Congenital Heart Center; they found a family.

https://ufhealth.org/stories/2026/astrids-journey-beyond-the-science-to-beat-deadly-heart-condition-at-uf-health

Astrid Weller’s dad holds her up to a window at the University of Florida Health Congenital Heart Center so she can press her hands to the warm glass and peer…

01/26/2026

All expectant parents are invited to attend our complimentary prenatal breastfeeding education class today from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the UF Health Women's Center at UF Health Medical Plaza. Learn the basics of feeding, including latch and position, tips for success and ask questions directly to our Breastfeeding Medicine team.

For more details, and to register, visit:
https://ufhealth.org/events/complimentary-prenatal-breastfeeding-education-class

01/24/2026

We're honored to be recognized by Becker's Hospital Review! Congratulations to our UF Health Congenital Heart Center team for their exceptional work in pediatric cardiology care!

We are proud that UF Health Shands Children's Hospital was recognized by Becker's Hospital Review for its great heart program.

As one of the nation’s top pediatric cardiology and heart surgery programs in this year's U.S. News & World Report rankings, UF Health Shands Children's Hospital has the highest-ranked program of its kind in Florida. The UF Health Congenital Heart Center plays a vital role, offering patients of all ages comprehensive care for congenital heart disease and acquired pediatric heart diseases.

Full story: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/cardiology/100-hospitals-and-health-systems-with-great-heart-programs-2025/

01/13/2026

At the UF Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Gait and Motion Analysis Lab —located at the UF Health Pediatric Orthopaedics, an Alliance with Shriners Children’s practice—our physicians and researchers use advanced 3D gait analysis to evaluate movement in pediatric patients.

Working alongside multiple specialties, the team identifies mobility concerns, creates personalized treatment plans and measures progress one step at a time.

Learn more about our pediatric orthopaedics program located within the UF Health Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Institute by visiting UFHealth.org/PedsOrtho.

01/07/2026

If you’ve visited our CMS Pediatric practice recently, you may have noticed a new and colorful addition to our clinic walls 🎨. This new artwork was created by 8th grader Clancy H. as part of a community service project with his school. His creativity now brings color, comfort and smiles to the children and families who visit our clinic.

We see that you even included a GATOR too! :)

Thank you, Clancy, for using your talent to help brighten our space!

01/06/2026

We're a few days into the new year and we’re still smiling about our first baby of 2026 💙!

Welcoming the year’s first arrival was a joyful moment for our pediatric and maternal care teams, and a reminder of the trust families place in us every day.

Thank you to all the families who allow us to care for you and your little ones as new beginnings unfold.

A belated Happy New Year to our first baby of the year!

Jersey was born at 6:34 a.m. on January 1 at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital, weighing exactly eight pounds. He and his mother, Taylor, are excited for all that 2026 brings.

01/03/2026

Flashback Friday to Santa and Mrs. Clause visiting our NICU babies! ❤️ What a perfect holiday gift! 🎅🤶

12/28/2025

We’re thankful for the heartfelt feedback from the families we support. Learn how our child life specialists helped create meaningful moments for a patient in our care. Read the full message in the comments.