MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital

08/28/2025

One of the greatest gifts that exceptional healthcare can provide is the opportunity for our young patients to create new memories and reach new milestones.

Our 2025 Champion, McKenzie, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Infantile Pompe Disease (IPD) at just six weeks old. While there is currently no cure for IPD, infusion therapies can slow its progression. Without treatment, McKenzie's survival beyond infancy would not have been possible. Yesterday, she started 4th grade! 🤩

Please join us in cheering her on as McKenzie embarks on another year of learning and living her best life. Thank you to every member of our community who supports our work and makes moments like these possible. 🎉

Go get 'em, McKenzie!

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

08/27/2025

🏕️ Camp Week 2025 was a blast! 🤩 From tie-dye tees and painted rocks to glowing firefly lanterns, knot-tying crafts, and even our very own variety show, the children's hospital was buzzing with camp magic all week long. 🎨🎤🌟

We are deeply grateful to our Child Life team and our volunteers from Parkhurst Dining (UNE), Allagash Brewing Company, S**o and Biddeford Savings, LAUGH loud SMILE big, Costco, and Double H Ranch, whose time, energy, and generosity made this special week possible. 💙

08/25/2025

⛳️ Last Friday, MHBBCH was honored to be the beneficiary of the 7th annual Log A Load For Kids Southern Maine Golf Tournament at Lake Kezar Country Club. It was a perfect day with record-breaking fundraising results! 🙌

A huge THANK YOU to the PLC of the Northeast - Professional Loggers for their outstanding commitment to rallying the logging community in support of children’s health across our region. 🌲❤️

We’re also deeply grateful to every sponsor, team, and volunteer whose generosity and hard work made this incredible day possible. 🌟

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

08/20/2025

Join us October 9-13 at Camp Sunshine for the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital: Mixed Diagnosis event. This event is open to families of children who have received treatment at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. Please apply by September 15 to attend at: https://www.campsunshine.org/programs/applications

The event will include fun fall activities, parental discussion groups, parent's night dinner and entertainment, and additional activities like a talent show, indoor swimming, archery, a climbing wall, volleyball, and more!

Camp Sunshine is FREE to all families. For 40 years, Camp Sunshine has provided hope, joy, and community through unique experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Camp Sunshine is located at 35 Acadia Road, Casco, ME 04015.

08/18/2025

Welcome to Camp Week, Team BBCH!!! 🏕️🐞🍦
Each summer, our incredible Child Life team transforms the inpatient unit of our children’s hospital into “Camp BBCH,” so that kids who are hospitalized still get to experience some of the magic of summer camp. Camp 2025 kicked off today with tie-dye camp t-shirts, some awesome firefly lantern and knot tying arts & crafts, AND the sweetest ice cream social, hosted by our friends at Parkhurst Dining (from UNE)! We are happy campers, that’s for sure! ❤️

08/17/2025

As we all get ready to head back to school, MaineHealth physician Dr. Carrie Gordon spoke to WMTW-TV about how screen time can affect heart health -- and our 5210 Let's Go! and Bright Bodies programs. A great reminder to set boundaries, and that eating healthy and being active help to keep the body and mind healthy.

The American Heart Association says too much time in front of devices may raise the risk of heart disease, even in young kids. But one Maine doctor says small, simple changes in daily routines can make a big difference.

08/16/2025

🌟 Bidding ends TODAY, August 16, at 10 PM ET for this one-of-a-kind original artwork, designed by native Mainer Josh Rich. The piece is signed in black fine-point marker by Cooper Flagg, the #1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. 🏀

Both Cooper and Josh share a unique connection — their earliest days were spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. Now, through Josh's "Graphics for a Cause" project, they've teamed up to give back to the place where their journeys began.

This 24x36" computer-generated graphic captures Cooper's utter domination in his season at Duke. But this piece is more than sports history; it's a story of home and giving back. 💙 100% of the proceeds will benefit MHBBCH, helping kids and families receive the best care possible, close to home.

⏳ Bid here before 10 PM tonight: https://bit.ly/4oVsYkv

08/14/2025

Don't miss out! 🚨 Bid now on this one-of-a-kind, signed Livvy Dunne poster 🤸 available only through this auction! What’s even better? 100% of the proceeds will benefit MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital!

Learn more about Maine native Josh Rich and his "Graphics for a Cause" project at the link below, and get your bid in before 10 PM ET on August 16th! 🤩

🔗 https://bit.ly/417fHel

08/08/2025

Summer is coming to an end. If your child received SUN Bucks grocery benefits, make sure to use them before they expire. If your child is eligible and you have not received benefits, apply at mymaineconnection.gov before August 15th.
For more information:
https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement/sun_bucks

08/06/2025

Thank you to our friends at Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront ME for “rooting” for our patients! 🥤 Celebrating National Root Beer Float Day is a tradition for many Marriott hotels—and Aloft is celebrating double-time! Yesterday, they served lunch and root beer floats to the patients and staff at MHBBCH. Today, until 7:00 PM, you can visit the Aloft hotel in downtown Portland and treat yourself to a root beer float in exchange for a donation to our children’s hospital! We’re so thankful for their support! 🙌

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

08/05/2025

World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is recognized August 1–7, and this year’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, is a call to action for communities, health systems, employers, and policymakers to build lasting, accessible networks of support for breastfeeding families.

At MaineHealth, we are proud to be part of that support system. Our Care Team members work every day to ensure families across our communities receive the consistent, compassionate care they deserve throughout their breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding is a personal decision, and when parents choose it, they shouldn’t have to do it alone. At MaineHealth, we help families thrive by supporting:

- Access to trained clinical providers who deliver expert, evidence-based care
- Culturally responsive, community-based resources
- Encouragement from family, peers, and care teams
- Family-friendly workplace policies and environments
- Advocacy for local and state-level policies that protect and promote breastfeeding

Together, we’re creating a healthier future for families in Maine and beyond.

08/01/2025

HAPPY MIRACLE BUCKET DAYS! 🎉 Today through August 3, visit your local Ace Hardware to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals like MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (MHBBCH). Your donations help kids like nine-year-old McKenzie, our 2025 patient champion.

At just six weeks old, McKenzie was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Infantile Pompe Disease (IPD). While there is currently no cure for IPD, infusion therapies can slow its progression. Without treatment, McKenzie's survival beyond infancy would not have been possible. McKenzie's mom, Krystye, credits their "family" at MHBBCH for saving McKenzie's life and giving them the gift of time together.

Visit bbch.org/ace for a list of participating Ace locations near you!