Children’s Hospital New Orleans, the Gulf South’s only comprehensive children’s hospital, celebrates a new chapter and name as Manning Family Children’s!
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Together, we’re charting a bold future for child health fueled by two strong Louisiana legacies.
07/23/2025
Christmas is coming early at Manning Family Children’s! Our Child Life Team is hosting a toy drive to help restock our Child Life Team’s supply for inpatient kids. You can purchase items directly from our Amazon Wishlist to ensure our patients have a year full of activities, art supplies, and special gifts to enjoy while in the hospital.
Shop the wishlist at manningchildrens.org/wishlist
07/23/2025
| Meet the heroes inspiring miles 51-60! From brave heart warriors like Eliza, Jordan, and Amir, to angels like Ahnyst Haven, whose legacy lives on through the hearts of family inside and outside the hospital walls—every mile honors a story of strength, courage, and hope.
During the Leadville 100 Trail Run on August 16, Lou will complete 100 miles through the Rocky Mountains, through Hope Pass at an elevation of 12,600 feet, and back again, all to honor the resilience of these kids and raise support for the hospital that brings them hope and healing. Remember that each mile has a name, and each name has a story of hope! Read and share their stories at manningchildrens.org/100miles and Join the Movement!
Thank you to our Matching Mile Sponsors for running towards the future of kids’ health with us!
Mile 51: Forest Health Group
Mile 52: Julie and Ted George
Mile 53: Power Miler Track Club The Power Mile
Mile 54: Tod and Kenya Smith
Mile 55: Lou Fragoso
Mile 56: Dr. Kyle Fulton and Adam Eversole
Mile 57: Commander’s Palace
Mile 58: Dr. Scott McMurray
Mile 59: The Masoumy Family
Mile 60: Greg Brousse
07/22/2025
Laura Potts, ThriveKids Behavioral Health Manager at Manning Family Children's, had the opportunity to share with WVUE FOX 8 all the exciting details for the Back to School Boogaloo, presented by Louisiana Healthcare Connections! This year's boogaloo will take place THIS SATURDAY at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans East from 10 am to 1 pm. The event will provide free haircuts, immunizations, sports physicals, school supplies and health resources to the community. All are welcome! Learn more at www.manningchildrens.org/backtoschool.
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Thank you to all of our extraordinary partners for making this free community event possible! Back to School Boogaloo is presented by Louisiana Healthcare Connections and made possible in partnership with NOLA Public Schools, Agenda for Children, Manning Family Children's, and New Orleans East Hospital with the support of Councilmember Oliver Thomas. Thanks also to our food vendors, LEMOINE and Blue Runner Foods.
07/21/2025
We're proud to celebrate two incredible members of our Manning Family Children's Psychology team who were honored by the Louisiana Psychological Association this past June! 🎉
Dr. Amy Henke was awarded the LPA President’s Award for her impactful service as the outgoing president.
Dr. Diane Franz received the Janet R. Matthews, PhD Outstanding Psychology Mentor Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to mentoring in the field of psychology.
Congratulations to both for their leadership and dedication to the field and to our community! 💙
07/18/2025
On May 29, we were joined by Stephanie and Christopher Barrett, family, and supporters to celebrate the dedication of Dash’s Dream Aquarium, in loving memory of William Dashle “Dash” Barrett. Dash was born on April 3, 2006 and left a large impact on everyone who came into his short life. Despite being born with Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus, syringomyelia, and neuromuscular scoliosis, his most defining features were his personality and spirit. His family’s journey with Dash didn’t lack challenges, but it was always filled with an abundance of joy and love. One of Dash’s favorite things was the aquarium in his bedroom. He would watch the fish swim for hours and admire their colorful beauty and gentle movements. When anyone thinks of Dash, they think of his prized aquarium.
To honor Dash’s memory, loved ones helped fund an aquarium – Dash’s Dream Aquarium – for all patients and families at Manning Family Children’s to enjoy. Since Dash’s Dream Aquarium made its debut, there is hardly a moment that you don’t see a child and family in wonder… mesmerized by the beautiful fish, having conversation about what they see, and taking just a moment to breathe, and to smile. Thank you to the Barrett family, and to all of the donors of Dash’s Dream Aquarium who made this project possible. Support Dash’s Dream Fund >> https://bit.ly/3TLQTUZ
07/17/2025
| We’re halfway there, and every mile ahead is powered by the courage of these kids.
The farther we go, the more we carry. Courage. Purpose. Hope. Mile 50 marks a turning point in Leadville. And in life, our kids know what it means to reach a hard-earned halfway and still have mountains ahead. Their strength is the reason we run.
These extraordinary kids are fueling Lou’s journey to the with heart, humor, resilience, and the kind of strength that keeps us moving through mile after mile. These are the stories that give this race meaning.
Thank you to our Matching Mile Sponsors for running towards the future of kids’ health with us!
Mile 41: Bayou Pediatrics
Mile 42: Nancy and Dr. Stephen Hales
Mile 43: The Al Copeland Foundation
Mile 44: Newell and Shawn Normand
Mile 45: F45 Garden District
Mile 46: Carlos Fragoso
Mile 47: Bobby DiMarco
Mile 48: Jimi Smith and Crescent City Acupuncture
Mile 49: Jackie Leonard
Mile 50: Forest Health Group
07/17/2025
Six-year-old Amir Walker Jr. (AJ) has always loved to play hard—but for years, breathing was a battle. What began as a routine allergist visit turned into two surgeries, including a life-saving heart procedure to correct a rare condition that had gone undiagnosed since birth.
First, AJ had his enlarged tonsils and adenoids removed. But follow-up testing revealed a double aortic arch—a rare congenital heart defect—that required immediate surgery. His family is deeply grateful to otolaryngologist James McMurray, MD, for performing the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and to cardiothoracic surgeon Farshad Anvari, MD, for repairing AJ’s heart.
Thanks to the skilled team at Manning Family Children’s, AJ is now breathing easy, full of energy, and dreaming big—like owning his very own sugar cane farm one day.
“The care AJ received was incredible,” said his mom, Jasmin. “They treated him like he was the most important child there. I couldn’t have asked for better care.”
We’re excited to welcome Varsity Sports as a Peak Partner in our journey to Leadville! 🏃♂️🏔️ As a local running community rooted in purpose, Varsity Sports is joining the movement in support of the kids at Manning Family Children’s through special giveback events, fundraising, and awareness-building.
Because endurance isn’t just built on miles — it’s built on community. They believe, like we do, that endurance is about more than running. It’s about heart, purpose, and showing up for those who need us most.
Here is how Varsity Sports is getting involved—and how you can too!
1. Now through August 16, anyone that donates $165 or more to the 100 miles. 100 kids. 1 mission. Campaign will receive a free pair of Brooks Glycerin 22 courtesy of Varsity Sports! Learn more at https://bit.ly/3TEBW7h
2. Join us for a Give Back Day at Varsity Sports New Orleans on Saturday, August 2. $10 of ALL shoe sales will be donated back to support the movement!
From the trail to the treadmill to Magazine Street, every step we take together brings us closer to changing the course for our kids.
07/14/2025
Chelsea Moore, our Director of the ThriveKids Student Wellness program here at Manning Family Children's encourages your family to get back-to-school ready with us at the 3rd annual Back to School Boogaloo, presented by Louisiana Healthcare Connections!
Event Details:
Address: Joe W. Brown Park Recreation Center from 10 am—1 pm!
5601 Read Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70127
🍎 Health services and resources for kids ages 6 months—18 years
📚 Free enrollment with Manning Family Children’s ThriveKids student wellness program for any at-school health needs that arise during the school year
🍏 Free immunizations for qualifying families through the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network
🏈 Take advantage of sports physicals, plus primary care & dental resources
💇 Free haircuts, school supplies, and more (while supplies last)
🎒 Plus take advantage of resources and activities for kids and families, free food and fun including live music, games and more!
Learn more about the event or how to donate school supplies at manningchildrens.org/backtoschool.
Back to School Boogaloo is presented by Louisiana Healthcare Connections and made possible in partnership with NOLA Public Schools, Agenda for Children, Manning Family Children’s and New Orleans East Hospital with the support of Councilmember Oliver Thomas.
07/11/2025
💚 From New Orleans to the Texas Hill Country - we stand with you.
We know all too well how a natural disaster can uproot lives and forever change a community. In the wake of the catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, our hearts are with every child, family, and community affected, especially those grieving unimaginable loss. Manning Family Children's has committed $5,000 toward relief efforts and invite you to join us if you feel compelled to help. Together, we now send hope and healing to those who need it the most.
You can contribute to relief efforts by visiting manningchildrens.org/texasfloodrelief
07/10/2025
| Meet the heroes inspiring miles 31 - 40 — From brave cancer fighters like Charlotte, who rang the bell in January 2025, to angels like Walker Beery, whose legacy lives on through Walker's Imaginarium, a place of hope and healing coming to Manning Family Children's in 2026 - every mile honors a story of strength, courage, and hope.
During the Leadville 100 Trail Run on August 16, Lou will complete 100 miles through the Rocky Mountains, through Hope Pass at an elevation of 12,600 feet, and back again, all to honor the resilience of these kids and raise support for the hospital that brings them hope and healing. Remember that each mile has a name, and each name has a story of hope! Read and share their stories at manningchildrens.org/100miles and Join the Movement!
Thank you to our Matching Mile Sponsors for running towards the future of kids’ health with us!
Mile 31: Dean Lee Hamm
Mile 32: Jonathan Brouk
Mile 33: Dr. Steve Nelson, LSU Health New Orleans
Mile 34: Susan Hudlow
Mile 35: Deanna Rodriguez
Mile 36: Believing Hearts Foundation
Mile 37: Dr. Tom Kimball and Dana Kimball
Mile 38: Katie Crosby
Mile 39: Dr. Tommy Davis
Mile 40: The Beery Family KIDS JOIN the FIGHT
Leadville Race Series Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado
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At Children's Hospital New Orleans, our promise is to shape a healthier, happier future for kids. For more than 60 years, we've provided expert healthcare for children across our state and region. Today, we provide unmatched pediatric expertise wrapped in a whole lot of love.
Families across our community can count on the extraordinary care provided by our pediatric-trained specialists, from the most complex pediatric procedures, to the everyday health of children and adolescents.
From our main campus in Uptown New Orleans, to satellite locations throughout Louisiana, 14 pediatrics locations, and an after hours clinic, we’re working to ensure that families across our state and region have access to the specialized pediatric care they need. Last year, we cared for children from all 64 parishes in Louisiana, 43 states, and 9 countries!
It is an unprecedented time in Children’s Hospital’s history! With a $300 million campus transformation and capital campaign effort underway, we are investing in the future of Louisiana’s children. The transformation of our Uptown campus is not only improving infrastructure and technology, the enhancements we’re introducing will make it easier for patients and families across the region to access our vital services.