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Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

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Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

Impossible happens here. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more
equitable model of health and wellness.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding
outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health
is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of
60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers
and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 22 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations
and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more
than 1.3 million members.

09/09/2025

Jeremiah Robinson was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August of 2024 at Corewell Health Children’s in Southeast Michigan.

He was just starting his senior year of high school. “I was shocked,” Jeremiah said.

Lisa Robinson, his mom, says, “No parent wants to hear about that diagnosis, but he is my hero. Nothing has stopped him, and I’m so proud.”

Jeremiah was declared in remission that fall and, along with his care team, started making plans for when he’d go to Grand Valley State University after graduation.

The Robinsons met with Dr. Beth Kurt, pediatric oncologist, at the end of August this year when they were in West Michigan moving him into his dorm.

“He will be receiving chemotherapy at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to be sure he continues to be in remission,” Dr. Kurt said. “He is an amazing young man and I love that he’s telling his story and giving people hope.”

When asked what’s next for Jeremiah, “I look forward to making something of myself,” he said.

09/08/2025

Amy Nyberg has been making an impact on patients, families and team members in the NICU for over 20 years. We wanted to highlight her in celebration of March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program Coordinator Awareness Day! Hear from her colleagues below:

"Amy goes the extra mile to support every family and patient in the NICU. Her dedication to supporting our families is admirable and I am in awe of the compassion she displays. Thank you, Amy, for all that you do. You make a difference in so many lives everyday, and we are SO lucky to have you!"- Maggie Simons

“Having a child in the NICU is the death of a dream for many parents. What was supposed to be a joyous event of welcoming a child into the world is replaced with days of fear and anxiety. The MOD NICU Family Support services under Amy’s expert direction helps parents to deal with this often-underappreciated grief, bringing back hope when parents need it most. It is impossible to quantify the good that Amy has brought into the NICU.” - Robert Langen

"Having an infant in the NICU is an isolating and frightening experience, filled with long days and a lack of normal baby routines. In this challenging environment, Amy stands out for her creativity and dedication to bringing moments of joy to families. Through read-a-thons, kangaroo-a-thons, holiday crafts, Easter egg costume decorating, Christmas present costumes, and the NICU family reunion, Amy provides cherished memories. These small celebrations help families find hope, comfort, and normalcy. Amy’s efforts serve as a reminder that simple acts of kindness can make a profound difference. Thank you, Amy, for your compassion and for creating joy when it’s needed most." - Sherri Hoard

09/04/2025

Our pediatric hematology / oncology team members kicked off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with matching t-shirts to celebrate and support patients and families whose bravery and resilience inspire us all. 💛

09/02/2025

Our Child and Family Life team works hard every day to bring comfort, joy and a sense of normalcy to children and families during their hospital stay. You can help make a difference by donating items from our Wish List! 🧸 🎨 📚

From toys and games to art supplies and comfort items, every donation helps create moments of happiness and healing. Head to https://ow.ly/mSU150WIolk to see the full Wish List and learn more about the donation process.

Thank you!💙

08/28/2025

“Lylah was the perfect completion to our family of four,” her mom, Holly, said.

In the hospital, Lylah passed all her newborn screening tests with no red flags. Holly and her husband, Don, started noticing her weakness around five months old. Their pediatrician ended up referring them to our neurology team for a muscle biopsy and genetic testing.

She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. “We knew life for us would never be the same,” Holly said. “We were crushed but knew we had to pick up the pieces to fight for our girl.”

Lylah spent a lot of time in our PICU where she met Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital President Dr. Robert Fitzgerald (Fitz). “In the early years, it was Dr. Fitz that helped not just Lylah, but us as parents navigating life with a medically fragile child. He always made time for Lylah and was the reason we made it through. He knew we were lost and he helped us find our path,” Holly said.

“When you have a child like Lylah, you rely on your medical team and ours at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital are amazing. She’s doing so well because of them – Shoutout to Dr. Jeffrey Cassidy, Dr. Jena Krueger, Dr. Samantha Rosen, and Dr. John Huntington.”

Lylah turned 12 years old this month, and Holly says she never complains and always has a smile on her face.

“She loves school. Her Grandma works at a salon, and Lylah made sure to get fresh pink hair highlights and nails before her first day of middle school."

Lylah also loves her friends, reading, being the team manager for a travel softball team, and supporting her big brother during his hockey games.

She started Lylah’s Wheelchair Skating Club at Southside Ice Arena, which has been a huge success. It’s a club that meets once a month for kids in wheelchairs and medical strollers.

Holly says Lylah has taught them so much about life. They are truly grateful every day.

08/22/2025

Xhylyn and Xhyrie were born at nearly 26 weeks. They recently graduated together after spending 119 days in our NICU. Congratulations to you both on your Mighty Milestones! 🎉

08/14/2025

Since 2008, Panda Express locations in West Michigan have raised over $312,000 for Helen DeVos Children's Hospital through year-round fundraising efforts with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Last week, Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan welcomed team members from Panda Express to tour the group therapy space in our medical psychiatry unit - now officially named the Panda Cares Center of Hope. Guests also participated in meaningful activities for patients, including assembling Panda Express swag bags and playing bingo in Blue Glass Studios.

Thank you, Panda Express, for your continued commitment and support for local children and families! 🐼

08/13/2025

Our NICU is having a Kangaroo-a-thon this week! 🦘 The goal is to educate parents about the benefits of Kangaroo Care, which is touching or holding a baby skin-to-skin. It promotes bonding, helps regulate the baby's temperature and supports overall development.

Dr. Kevin Dufendach hop, hop, hopped around the halls to spread awareness and showcase our goal of trying to hit over 35,000 minutes of Kangaroo Care by Sunday.

In addition to highlighting the benefits and educating parents, our team members put together drawings for fun prizes to give away throughout the week. 🎉

08/08/2025

Our brave patients had a blast at Kids Can Conquer at the West Michigan Whitecaps this week! Thank you to everyone who made this event happen.⚾️

08/06/2025

Caleb Rigterink never expected that a single dead lift at his high school powerlifting competition would trigger a headache that changed his life.

Then 14 years old, Caleb remembers that, "It just never went away, never got better. It really started to be a concern when it started impeding on school and lifting."

In a few weeks, he went from being a three-sport honor student, to dropping out of high school due to the pain.

Caleb’s doctor referred him to our chronic pain program to improve his quality life after various interventions couldn't find a cause. He worked for weeks to increase his ability to control his headaches.

With the tools to manage his pain, Caleb, now 18, went back to school and returned to powerlifting - recently placing third in the nation.

Caleb graduated high school on-time, with honors, despite taking a year off due to chronic pain.

"The things they taught me basically gave me my life back," said Caleb.

07/31/2025

Nicholas Magiera, his mom, and brother were hit by a drunk driver in Grand Traverse County.

The extent of Nicholas' injuries required him to be transported to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital via helicopter. He woke up in his hospital bed and couldn't remember the previous 18 hours.

After many unknowns, Nicholas was able to go home after a week but missed 10 weeks of school.

"We were so lucky to have survived this," his mom, Christine, said. "People aren't always that lucky."

Watch the full UpNorthLive story: https://ow.ly/tW4050WxYaE

07/30/2025

Tricia and Joel Brusk realized something was unusual when Amelia was born with fused toes and fingers. Quickly, she was whisked away to the NICU to be seen by different specialists.

“Without immediate answers, Joel and I turned to the internet in our hospital room to research,” Tricia said. “It was overwhelming and scary.”

Through single gene testing, Amelia was diagnosed with Apert Syndrome, which is characterized by malformations of the skull, face, hands and feet.

“The first few weeks and months were a blur. Amelia had countless appointments every week and we also had her 19-month-old sibling,” Tricia said. “All I knew was that I had to stay strong for my family.”

15 surgeries later, Amelia is going into 4th grade this fall as one of the youngest kids in her class. She’s keeping up with her peers and making “an insane amount of friends” according to Tricia.

Tricia consistently shares and celebrates Amelia’s story on social media to help normalize her differences. “My hope was that the more people see someone who looks like Amelia, the less stares they may have,” Tricia said.

Joel participates in myTeam Triumph - West Michigan Chapter, an athletic ride-along program created for children, teens, adults, and veterans who are disabled and would not normally be able to experience endurance events. “This is his way to advocate for Amelia and have fun with her,” Tricia said.

Tricia advises, “Be honest with your child that they're different. They can be prepared for the stares, the surgeries, the questions, etc. The more open you are with them, the better equipped they'll be in the future."

Address

100 Michigan Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI
49503

Telephone

+16163919000

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