Riley Children's Health

11/08/2025

Colson Wash, 3, can throw his miniature football and basketball with ease across his hospital room. As an added bonus he can do it with both arms. He can also achieve significant velocity with bunched-up Play-Doh when he has a partner to toss it back. Playing catch proved to be a fun game for him and the photographer. On Tuesday Colson was all smiles as he relaxed with his mother, Ariel Wash, while she talked with Riley Hospital for Children team members during their visits. Colson underwent his third heart surgery (as part of the Fontan procedure) on Oct. 16. He has been at Riley Hospital since then, and has had previous stays for his two other surgeries and other health issues. It is hoped that he won’t require any more surgeries or hospital stays and will be able to show off his throwing skills while playing with his three older brothers.

11/07/2025

The The Children's Museum of Indianapolis partnered with Riley Hospital for Children to provide a free flu clinic at the museum as part of their First Thursday Night of the month program. The flu vaccination was provided to patients of all ages. Pictured is Matthew Inpongpan and his son, Arlo Inpongpan, 3.

11/07/2025

Riley Children’s Health president David Biggerstaff, left, and Dr. Richard Schreiner reveal the new Riley Hospital for Children historical marker during the Riley Town Hall meeting Thursday afternoon. "The unveiling of the Historical Marker by the Indiana Historical Bureau is a proud moment for all of us at Riley Children's Health. It reflects not only our deep-rooted history but also the enduring commitment of our team to provide advanced, compassionate care to not only Hoosier children but for children from all over the world,” said Biggerstaff. “For over a century, Riley Hospital for Children has been at the forefront of pediatric care, ensuring that every child, regardless of where they come from, receives the highest level of care. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of our team and the unwavering support of our community.” The marker is scheduled to be placed near the Riley Hospital for Children Maternity Tower entrance early next week.

11/06/2025

Each week, the NICU Nest welcomes families in the Maternity Tower and Van D**e NICUs to a pizza party in the common rooms. 🍕

They get to enjoy a hot meal and time to relax and connect with other families who understand this complex, challenging journey. The goal is for them to leave filled up and with a new book in hand for their babies. 📚

11/05/2025

After five weeks in the hospital, Jenson Shank was more than ready to go home last week. The 3-year-old’s parents, Olivia and Zac Shank of Cambridge City, have been traveling to and from Riley Hospital for Children since Jenson was diagnosed with neuroblastoma back in March. This most recent stay was for a stem cell transplant. “It’s been a long haul,” his dad said. “Stem cell is no joke; it’s pretty rough.” Dr. Jacob Olson was able to surgically remove the tumor that was lodged on Jenson’s right adrenal gland, but treatment is ongoing to ensure the cancer does not return. Jenson was looking forward to returning home, where he couldn’t wait to see his grandparents and ride his tractor. The little boy, whose dad is a firefighter, loves firetrucks, of course, and loves to play outside. During his recent stay, stem cell nurse Janelle Morris brought a smile to his face by drawing a dinosaur on his door on the unit. While the days have been hard, Zac Shank said, the staff at Riley has been fantastic. “These nurses are angels. They are rock stars.” Jenson is scheduled to return to Riley on Nov. 7 for more treatment.
--mgilmer1@iuhealth.org

11/04/2025

Nurse Practitioner Bailey Butrum knows the importance and the value palliative care offers patients and their families. After spending several years as a bedside nurse, Butrum earned her nurse practitioner license and a spot on Riley's palliative care team on October 1.

It's a role she's honored to serve, and one that would undoubtedly make her late mother proud.

"It is a blessing to be there for the hardest part of somebody's life," Butrum said.

Nurse Practitioner Bailey Butrum knows the importance and the value palliative care offers patients and their families. After spending several years as a…

11/03/2025

After six surgeries, 20-month-old Darrell goes home to continue his treatment.

11/01/2025

Karsyn Webster, 6, was enjoying her time with Music therapist Kylie McGuffey Monday afternoon. McGuffey’s voice, combined with soft music and smaller instruments that Karsyn could play created a relaxing and comforting environment for Karsyn. She also benefits from a lighting machine and room decorations that include Halloween ghosts and one of her favorite things - pink bows. “I wanted her to feel cozy and in the spirit,” said her mom, Ariel Webster. Karsyn came to Riley Hospital for Children because she has an infection in a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt within her head. The shunt is used to regulate the amount of spinal fluid around her brain. She will receive scans Wednesday to confirm that the infection has been cleared up. Then if it is she will have a new shunt implanted during surgery Thursday.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from Riley baby, Ellie Smith! 🎃

Ellie gets her choice of two costumes this year—either Queen Bee or a delicious treat from Starbucks. 🐝☕ To make this holiday even sweeter, these costumes were lovingly crafted by her mom, Reed, and Riley art therapist, Lilly Boring.

Ellie is recovering in her room in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) following another surgery yesterday. She was born with a complex heart condition in August, and after fighting many battles, has proved countless times that she is a tiny warrior!

10/31/2025

Teams all over Riley Hospital for Children celebrated a fa-boo-lous Halloween today, delighting patients and families by dressing in kid-friendly costumes. The stem cell unit got into the Halloween spirit, dressing up as characters from “Alice in Wonderland.” The team picks out a different theme each year, one that has plenty of characters to give everyone a chance to channel their inner child. Not to be outdone, clinical staff in the Center for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders in the Riley Outpatient Center embraced the “Encanto” theme. Pictured are Dr. TC Fisher-Heath (chief fellow), Elizabeth Thach, Jessica McDonald and Audrey Leisinger (leukemia coordinators). Even Snow White (aka Tiffany Chandler, who works in MSA 1 in the ROC) made an appearance, though there was no sign of the seven dwarfs. Seven-month-old Celestia Rea on 8W also got in on the fun for her first Halloween in her elephant costume, while Harvey Jump, 4, showed off his Riley nurse outfit before trick-or-treating. Harvey spent several weeks at Riley before being discharged two weeks ago. 🎃

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from Riley's tiniest pumpkins! 🎃

Our babies receiving care in the Riley Maternity Tower NICU and the Van D**e NICU were treated to fun festivities thanks to the love and creativity of our families, nurses, and the NICU Nest Family Support Program! 👻

Fun fact: The NICU Nest spent around $1,000 this year on Build-A-Bear outfits to fit our smallest patients.🦇

10/29/2025

Infectious disease physician is elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine.