UHealth Jackson Children's Care

09/09/2025

It’s , and that means it’s Holtzy’s time to shine! 🐻✨ Always ready with a hug and a smile, Holtzy makes every day a little brighter for our patients and families.

Drop a 💜 in the comments if Holtzy has made you smile at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

09/04/2025

Little explorers see the world differently, which means everyday household items can become big hazards.

Swipe through for simple ways to make your home safer for curious hands and busy crawlers:
✅ Check toys for choking hazards and keep small objects out of reach
✅ Use safety gates at stairs and high-risk areas
✅ Secure furniture and TVs to the wall
✅ Lock away cleaning products and medications
✅ Always test bath water temperature first
✅ Install outlet covers in every room

Small changes = peace of mind. 💛

09/03/2025

🌱 Children don’t need us to mirror their overwhelm, they need us to be the steady ground they can lean on. 💙 When big feelings take over, let your calm can be the anchor that helps them find theirs again.

08/20/2025

Your kids don’t need a flawless routine, homemade meals everyday, or a perfectly managed calendar.

What they do need is you. Your attention. Your hugs. Your presence — even when you’re tired or distracted or figuring it out as you go.

✨ Perfection isn’t the goal. Being present there is.

08/15/2025

📚✏️ First-day smiles, backpacks, and endless possibilities! Our Jackson team members are cheering their kids on as they head back to school ready for a year of learning, growth, and new adventures.

Here’s to a safe, healthy, and inspiring school year for all students and the amazing teachers who guide them! 🍎📚 💙

08/14/2025

Growing up comes with big changes, and our next Parental Guidance episode is here to help you be ready for them. 💪 Puberty Talk: Boy Edition will give parents expert advice on what to expect as boys go through this stage, from growth spurts and mood changes to all the milestones in between.
Get trusted guidance from a pediatric specialist on how to support your son with confidence through one of life’s biggest transitions.

🗓️ Thursday, August 21�
⏰ 12 p.m. EST�
💻 Via Zoom

Give your child the tools and confidence they need during this milestone. Don’t miss this episode!�
Register now via https://jhsmiami.zoom.us/webinar/register/7317528795671/WN_xI8RYmeDTsmh3GhoSV3Ipg

08/12/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Back-2-School & Community Health Fair at Jackson North Medical Center! 📚💙

We loved helping families get ready for the new school year with free backpacks and school supplies, health screenings, and plenty of fun for the kids. A big thank you to our amazing teams, volunteers, and partners who made the day possible.

Together, we’re helping our community start the school year healthy and strong. 💪✨

08/07/2025

Parenting doesn’t always look like a perfectly packed lunch or a spotless house. Sometimes, it’s just showing up — tired, messy, and doing your best.

💬 To every parent doing their best today: you’re brave, you’re enough, and you’re not alone.

07/30/2025

Keeping kids hydrated in the summer isn’t just about water, it’s also about the foods we offer throughout the day. ☀️🍽️

Here are a few easy, parent-approved options that help little ones stay cool, nourished, and energized during hot weather:

🫐 Mixed berries
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries — all naturally hydrating and filled with antioxidants. They’re an easy grab-and-go snack for busy summer days.

🥒 Cucumbers with hummus
Cucumbers are another water-dense food that pair perfectly with hummus — offering hydration, fiber, and a little protein in one crunchy bite.

🍓 Fruit smoothies
Blend frozen fruit with yogurt or milk for a quick, nutrient-packed treat. Smoothies are great for sneaking in hydration and extra vitamins — and kids can help make them!

🍉 Watermelon
Over 90% water and rich in vitamin C, watermelon is a summer staple that kids love. Serve it chilled for extra refreshment!

Pair these snacks with plenty of water and shade breaks, and you’ve got a simple formula for keeping little ones feeling their best all summer long. 💛

07/28/2025

💕 Still feeling the love, a special shoutout to the amazing hearts behind every brave little patient. From late-night lullabies in hospital rooms to standing strong through uncertainty, we’re celebrating all the amazing parents and caregivers that guide many of our patients through their health journeys. Whether you're here for a quick visit or navigating a longer stay, thank you for trusting us to care for your child. 🧸💖

07/24/2025

Self-care isn’t just for adults. Children benefit deeply from small, intentional moments that support their emotional and physical well-being. 💛 Early childhood is when emotional regulation, body awareness, and comfort with routines begin to form. Teaching self-care at this stage isn’t just about relaxation, it’s about building habits.

Here are a few ways for your little one to practice self-care:

🛁 Bubble baths: Beyond getting clean, baths can signal a calming transition. The warmth, quiet, and familiarity help little ones unwind after a stimulating day.

📚 Quiet time: Even short breaks for reading, coloring, or solo play allow children to reset. These moments help them practice self-soothing and give their minds a chance to rest.

🧸 Cuddles and comfort: Physical affection is a core part of early self-care. Whether it’s with a caregiver, a blanket, or a favorite stuffed animal, these moments build security and emotional stability.

🌿 Fresh air: Outdoor time supports regulation and sensory balance. A walk, a few minutes in the yard, or simply sitting in the shade can help reset a restless or overwhelmed child.

These small habits, when modeled consistently, teach children that listening to their needs is valid and valuable — and that caring for themselves is something they’re always allowed to do.

07/21/2025

When Deidre Romer was just 12 years old, she found that her back was curving. 's biggest fear was confirmed — Deidre had scoliosis, a condition that causes the spine to curve abnormally. With limited options at home in the Bahamas, her mom, Gabrielle, made the brave decision to seek care abroad.

At Holtz Children's Hospital, Deidre and Gabrielle found a team that changed everything.

Dr. Brian Grottkau, chief of pediatric orthopedics at Holtz Children's, saw that Deidre would be an ideal candidate for a groundbreaking hybrid tether surgery, combining spinal fusion for her upper back with vertebral body tethering for her lower spine. On December 17, 2024, this innovative procedure was performed for the first time at Holtz Children's.

Just days after surgery, Deidre was heading home. Six months later, she’s back at school, walking perfectly, and back to being a teen with her whole future ahead of her.

“Many people who have scoliosis think their life is over, but my daughter has defied that,” Romer said. “I always tell Deidre to defy the odds and embrace the scar – her scar is part of her beauty.”

💫 “I thought my life was over, but Dr. Grottkau and his team have really helped me,” Deidre said.

Read her full story here: https://jacksonhealth.org/15-year-old-bahamian-girl.../

07/17/2025

July is Chronic Disease Awareness Month, and congenital heart disease touches the lives of one in 100 babies born each year. 🩷

While every journey is unique, stories like Joshua's remind us why specialized, compassionate care makes all the difference. Diagnosed before birth with a serious heart defect, Joshua spent his first year in and out of the hospital, undergoing multiple procedures and a successful open-heart surgery. Thanks to the care of our dedicated pediatric cardiology and heart surgery teams, he’s now home and thriving — with a future full of possibility.

At UHealth Jackson Children's Care Congenital Heart Center at Holtz Children's Hospital, our world-class team provides comprehensive care for children and adults with congenital and acquired heart disease. We're here for our patient's challenges, healing, and the joyful milestones along the way.

Congenital heart disease is a lifelong journey, and with the right care, children like Joshua can live full, healthy lives. ✨ Want to learn more about our pediatric cardiac services? Visit
https://pediatrics.jacksonhealth.org/services/pediatric-cardiac-care/

07/16/2025

Rest isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. Let’s teach our kids that slowing down is part of showing up. 🫶

07/09/2025

¿Tienes dificultades con el sueño de tu hijo? No estás solo — y estamos aquí para ayudarte. 💤
En el nuevo episodio de Parental Guidance, exploramos estrategias prácticas de sueño para niños de todas las edades — desde recién nacidos hasta adolescentes. Únete a este seminario virtual gratuito y aprende cómo crear una rutina de descanso saludable para toda la familia.

🗓 Jueves, 17 de julio
🕛 12 p.m.
💻 Via Zoom

Nuestros expertos hablarán sobre rutinas efectivas para la hora de dormir, despertares nocturnos, sonambulismo, y cómo ayudar a los bebés a dormir de manera independiente. Reciba consejos prácticos para lograr noches más tranquilas para toda la familia

¡Registrate ahora en https://jhsmiami.zoom.us/webinar/register/8017504442507/WN_Vthtf0nfQcGM86Sia92vAQ 💙

07/03/2025

Same-day sports physicals are available at any of our UHealth Jackson Urgent Care locations. These physicals ensure student athletes are healthy and ready to take on the sports season with confidence. 🏀⚽

☀️ Summer special pricing!
✔️ Sports Physical – $25
✔️ Sports Physical with EKG – $25 (EKG added FREE)
✔️ EKG Test Only – FREE 💙

For added peace of mind, our sports physicals with EKG can help detect hidden heart issues before they become emergencies – now at no extra cost!

Walk in or reserve your spot online. https://jacksonurgentcare.com/ 👆

07/02/2025

Being a great parent doesn’t mean running on empty. Rest, nourish, recharge. Not just for you, but for the little ones watching you show up every day. 💛

06/26/2025

Bringing home a newborn for the first time? We know it’s exciting and a little overwhelming. 😅

Here are a few pediatrician-approved tips to help ease the transition and support your baby’s health and comfort in those first few weeks.

👶 Skin-to-skin helps with bonding, keeps your baby warm, and encourages early breastfeeding.
🍼 Watch for early feeding cues. Rooting, sucking on hands, or turning their head are signs your baby’s hungry (no need to wait for them to cry.!).
🩹 Don’t stress over the umbilical cord, just keep it dry and clean, and it’ll fall off naturally in a week or two.
⏱️ Tummy time helps your baby build head control, muscle strength, and supports overall development—and it doesn’t have to be on the floor. Holding your baby in a tummy-down position on your chest or lap counts too, especially for newborns. The sooner you start, the better!
✨ Remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers, you’re learning as you go!

Looking for more resources? We offer breastfeeding and parenting classes, lactation services, and more to support your journey. Check out https://maternity.jacksonhealth.org/tours-classes/ for more info! 💛

06/25/2025

At just 2 years old, Ben Stein was treated at the Miami Burn Center after a serious accident. Now, 11 years later, he’s returned to give back in the sweetest way: donating coloring books, crayons, and more for our pediatric burn patients.

We’re so inspired by Ben’s generosity and heart, and we’re honored to have been part of his recovery. Thank you, Ben, for giving back and bringing joy to our young patients.

06/24/2025

Children become what they believe about themselves. Speak to them with love, wonder, and possibility. They’re listening. ✨

06/19/2025

For 21-year-old Javarian Weatherspoon, growing up with sickle cell disease meant living with daily pain that made even simple tasks a challenge. Pain crises became more frequent as he got older, and when doctors warned that Javarian might not survive his next crisis, he and his mom knew they needed to find another way.

Hope arrived at Holtz Children’s Hospital and University of Miami Health System through a groundbreaking gene therapy clinical trial. Javarian became the first person in South Florida to receive Beam-101 – an innovative therapy that modifies a patient’s own blood cells to reduce or eliminate sickle cell symptoms.

His journey wasn’t easy – chemotherapy, weeks of recovery, and rehabilitation therapy – but the results have been life-changing. Today, Javarian is home, pain-free, and filled with gratitude for a new chapter of healing and hope. ✨ 🙏

Discover Javarian’s incredible journey:
https://pediatrics.jacksonhealth.org/patient-stories/breakthrough-treatment-at-holtz-childrens-hospital-gives-florida-teen-new-life-after-sickle-cell-disease/

06/16/2025

06/12/2025

Scoliosis: Growing Strong, Standing Tall 💪💕
Back pain, uneven shoulders, or slouching—could they be signs of scoliosis? In the next episode of Parental Guidance, we’re breaking down everything parents need to know about scoliosis. Join us to learn how to identify the difference between posture issues and scoliosis, signs to watch for as your child grows, and what to expect if treatment is needed.

🗓️ Thursday, June 19
⏰ 12 p.m. EST
💻 Via Zoom

Help your child grow with strength, confidence, and a healthy spine! Don’t miss this essential episode.
👉 Register now https://jhsmiami.zoom.us/webinar/register/8117471573891/WN_bpeXGWtuTn6wRW8I3Zk8Uw

06/11/2025

At just 5 years old, Emory Crosdale was living with Joubert syndrome, a rare neurological disease that also impacts kidney function. When routine bloodwork in 2023 revealed her kidneys were failing, her mother Earldesha knew she had to act fast.

Having just lost her own mother to kidney disease, Earldesha was determined to find another path for her daughter and brought her to Miami Transplant Institute and Holtz Children's Hospital.

The team, led by Dr. Jayanthi Chandar, a pediatric nephrologist at Holtz Children’s and MTI, quickly placed Emory on the national transplant waitlist. Within just two weeks, they found a match, and Emory received her life-saving kidney transplant in April 2024.

Today, this "spitfire" little girl is back home, dancing to her favorite music and working toward returning to school.

"There aren't enough 'thank yous' in the world for the Jackson team and the donor family for helping us get to this point,” shared Earldesha.

✨Read about Emory's incredible journey at https://transplant.jacksonhealth.org/patient-stories/miami-transplant-institute-gives-young-girl-a-second-chance-at-life-after-a-rare-neurological-disease-led-to-kidney-failure/

06/06/2025

At just 14 years old, Jake has already fought and beaten cancer twice.

His journey began when swelling in his eye turned out to be something far more serious: Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. After nearly a year of chemo and radiation at Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jake rang the bell in celebration of being cancer-free.

But five years later, cancer returned in a different form: leukemia.

This time, Jake’s team at Holtz Children’s crafted a powerful treatment plan, including a bone marrow transplant. And in a beautiful twist of fate, his little brother Justin was a perfect match.

“Being Jake’s donor is going to give us a bigger and better bond,” Justin said.

“Having Justin as my donor means we’re really blood bonded now,” Jake said. “I’m so grateful.”

With the support of Holtz Children's pediatric cancer team and his family by his side, Jake spent more than 20 days in the hospital recovering from his transplant. Today, he goes home feeling strong — like the warrior he truly is.

To every kid going through something similar, Jake has this to say:

“It’s not going to be easy, but always try to find the silver lining and you’ll be okay. I know I will.” ✨

Read more about his story @ https://jacksonhealth.org/a-brothers-gift-helps-young-boy-beat-cancer-twice-with-help-from-holtz-childrens-hospital/