St. Louis Children's Hospital

09/26/2025

One of our favorite future pro baseball players is thriving despite a daunting diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the NICU at 3 months old. ⚾❤️

Jesse's condition means that his heart muscles are thicker than most, which can restrict blood flow to the rest of the body. Although his mom was determined to let him live a full life, she was, understandably, cautious about how his condition might impact his everyday life.

Fortunately, Jesse and his family made their way to St. Louis Children's where Dr. Anthony P***a, a WashU Medicine electrophysiologist, determined that Jesse would benefit from an extravascular cardioverter-defibrillator, or EVICD. An EVICD can detect abnormal rhythms and reset them automatically. This February, Jesse became the first pediatric patient in Missouri to receive this kind of device, which he now wears proudly.

Read more about Jesse's story and how this implanted device has proven to be a home run (via St. Louis Magazine): https://heyor.ca/MT06aA

09/24/2025

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight our patient Chloe, whose long battle with neuroblastoma has included braving multiple relapses and treatments.

Her medical team continued to explore new and leading-edge options, and now as a teenager, Chloe has been receiving a series of vaccine shots to help her body fight off future relapses.

For less than $1 per day, you can join our Monthly Giving Program and walk alongside the families we serve by helping them stay strong, positive, and hopeful. When you make a monthly gift of $19 or more, we'll send you this cozy blanket to say thanks!

Join us: https://heyor.ca/cC9YBq

09/22/2025

Although The Great Forest Park Balloon Race was rained out Saturday, we still had an incredible time celebrating our community as sponsors at the Balloon Glow on Friday night.

Special thanks to all who visited our tent, all of the kiddos and families who watched from the windows of our hospital, and to all of the people who worked so hard over the last year to make this beautiful and inspiring event possible.

Until next year! 🎈

09/19/2025

Please join us in congratulating Libby, BSN, RN, who has been named our latest DAISY Award winner! 👏

Libby, who works in the Heart Center, was nominated by a physician who described her as “a pillar of strength and excellence in our unit,” and praised her clinical insight, quiet leadership, and deep compassion. She is often assigned some of the most complex patients and is trusted by everyone on the team to lead with skill and heart.

Join us in celebrating Libby's dedication to doing what’s right for kids—and doing it with unmatched grace.

09/18/2025

We're honoring alongside Hyundai Hope On Wheels, who recently awarded St. Louis Children's Hospital a $500,000 grant to fund pediatric cancer research.

In its 27-year history, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded over $277 million in pediatric cancer research grants to children's hospitals nationwide, and we are deeply honored to be a recipient of their generosity.

Members of the Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital team and some of our kiddos had the privilege of placing handprints on a Hyundai vehicle to symbolize the fight against childhood cancer and hope for a cure.

09/17/2025

Meet David, a heart transplant warrior! 💪❤️

When David was just 2 years old, he came to St. Louis Children's Hospital after visiting three other hospitals across the country for help with his hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a condition in which the left side of the heart is critically underdeveloped.

Despite a previous procedure to try to help his heart function, he was showing signs of heart failure, which led his family to the WashU Medicine Physicians and St. Louis Children's team to handle his complex case.

“His whole life, we’ve been trying to get the best care for him with the best outcome," David's mom, Amanda, said. "The team at Children’s didn’t say it would be easy. They didn’t say it would work. But they were willing to try.”

Learn more about David's heart journey and the life-saving transplant that's helping him thrive: https://heyor.ca/aXucPN

09/16/2025

The Pedal the Cause Kids Challenge is back and will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Kids ages 3–13 can ride on the safe, closed course then celebrate with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Kids Challenge is a day all about kids helping kids!

100% of the money raised by the Pedal the Cause Kids Challenge will seed, speed, and lead cutting-edge pediatric cancer research at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Learn more and register at PedalTheCause.org/Kids.

09/13/2025

Monthly gifts add up! Help save young lives by giving $19 or more a month.

With more than 273,000 children receiving treatments and support each year from St. Louis Children’s, your gift helps ensure the best outcome possible for children fighting serious illness and injury.

You will receive a cozy blanket as a thank you—perfect for those chilly fall nights around the corner—and a great reminder of your support for kids and families at St. Louis Children’s.

Sign up today: https://heyor.ca/2YEdLe

09/12/2025

We are excited to welcome Alfred Nelson, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist, to BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology at St. Peters.

Dr. Nelson brings a unique specialization in neurogastroenterology and neurogastromotility; meaning he's an expert in the vital connection between your brain and your gut, and how nerve signals govern your digestive system.

With this advanced training, Dr. Nelson provides exceptional care for a wide range of conditions, including gastrointestinal bleed, difficulty swallowing, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroparesis, cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C, and acute and chronic pancreatitis. He also performs colorectal cancer screenings, colonoscopies, and upper endoscopies.

Dr. Nelson is passionate about improving his patients' quality of life with compassionate care, treating every patient with the same consideration and attention he would give to his own family.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Nelson loves spending time with his family and enjoys watching sports, especially the Kansas City Chiefs, Formula One racing, and Real Madrid Soccer Club.

Learn more about Dr. Nelson and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/DA4atV

09/12/2025

You can stop scrolling—𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 is the sweetest story you'll see today. 🐶❤️📬

We're kicking off with a story about Duo Dog Casey, a facility dog at St. Louis Children's Hospital, and a trusted friend to kids and families receiving care.

In his role at the hospital, Casey is a bit of a local celebrity—beloved by patients who look forward to his snuggles on their toughest days. But Casey is a busy guy, so child life specialist, Lindy, found a way for kiddos to communicate with Casey even when he's spending time with someone else: Casey Mail.

This special mailbox in the waiting room of Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital allows kids to leave Casey letters and drawings any time, and Casey always writes them back. This special line of communication helps keep kiddos feel heard and connected to Casey as they are healing, and reminds them that their buddy is never too far away.

Watch the full story via KMOV: https://heyor.ca/Gf7Gok

09/10/2025

Parents often say they would do anything for their kids. Esmay's mom, Halie, proved it.

Esmay's family is from Arkansas, but her family has sought care from hospitals as far away as Alaska to help treat her biliary atresia—a serious liver disease. But when the time came that Esmay needed a transplant, she and her mom came to St. Louis, where her mom donated a portion of her liver at Barnes-Jewish Hospital to help save Esmay's life at St. Louis Children's.

With the WashU Medicine Physicians team collaborating across hospitals just steps away, the procedures were an incredible success, and 8-year-old Esmay was able to return to school this fall.

Watch the family's story of strength and love via KMOV: https://heyor.ca/JxZnu4

09/10/2025

We are excited to welcome Laura Niboh, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner to the BJC Medical Group West End OBGYN team.

Laura discovered her passion for caring for those in need while growing up watching her mother’s devotion to the elderly. This early inspiration guided her to a career in nursing, where her love of caring for babies in the NICU evolved into becoming an advocate for their mothers as well. Laura’s experiences in labor and delivery reaffirmed her commitment to providing compassionate care for women.

As a health care provider, Laura values caring for her patients from a holistic lens, addressing both their physical and emotional well-being. Her drive comes from knowing that her knowledge and advocacy can make a meaningful difference in someone's story. Her goal is for her patients to feel genuinely listened to, respected, and supported through all the milestones and chapters of their lives.

Laura sees patients ages 13 and older and provides a full range of OB-GYN services, including annual well-woman exams, contraception counseling, family planning, and prenatal and postnatal care. She also performs cancer screenings, treats various conditions, and handles the placement and removal of birth control.

Originally from Cameroon, Africa, Laura is an active member of her church who enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves to travel, try new foods from different cultures, and get lost in a good book.

Learn more about Laura and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/89EtaO

09/09/2025

Congratulations to Jeremy Pfeffer, RN, from BJC Medical Group Cardiology at Sunset Hills, our latest recipient of the DAISY Award! 🌟 This honor celebrates nurses who embody our values of Kindness, Respect, Excellence, Safety, and Teamwork.

Jeremy was nominated for his outstanding dedication to the cardiology team. His outreach has played a key role in its significant growth over the past two years, all while continuing to provide excellent care to patients.

Congratulations, Jeremy, on your well-deserved DAISY Award. Your commitment makes a huge difference for both your patients and team every day.

If there is a BJC Medical Group nurse that you would like to recognize, we encourage you to submit a DAISY Award nomination: https://www.bjcmedicalgroup.org/DAISY

09/05/2025

Meet Audrey, our brave 4-year-old heart transplant warrior. ❤️💪

Audrey's mom is a career nurse at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and WashU Medicine Heart Center, but never expected her own child would need heart care.

At her 20-week ultrasound, Audrey was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and her parents knew she would need specialized heart care after she was born.

“It's just this surreal feeling because it's something I’d seen from the outside looking in and now it was happening to me,” Molly, Audrey's mom, says.

At 6 months old, Audrey's family was told there was a donor heart ready for her, and preparations for transplant could begin.

Learn more about Audrey's heart journey and how her team at St. Louis Children's is helping her thrive: https://heyor.ca/8LEoTO

09/03/2025

It's almost that time! 🎉

Tri My Best, our annual adaptive triathlon, is returning for its 11th year! Come out and support our athletes with cerebral palsy and similar movement disorders at Washington University in St. Louis’ Athletic Complex on Sept. 14 at 8 a.m.

Can’t attend? Make a gift today to benefit cerebral palsy programming at St. Louis Children’s Hospital: https://heyor.ca/27CE8d

08/28/2025

We are excited to welcome Alisa Kindig, WHNP-BC, a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner, to our team at OB/GYN Associates at Sunset Hills.

Driven by a desire for a career with a deeper purpose, Alisa went back to school to become a nurse after eight years in corporate America. She was inspired to specialize in women's health after working in the Emergency Department, where she saw a gap in care, as many women were seeking urgent treatment for health concerns that could have been managed in a routine office setting.

Today, her philosophy is focused on educating women and helping them feel better and more confident in their care. Alisa is proudest when a patient reports they feel better than they have in years because, together, they found a solution that works.

Alisa provides a wide range of OB-GYN services for patients 13 years and older. She specializes in annual well-woman exams, contraception counseling, family planning, and treating conditions like abnormal bleeding, PCOS, and sexually transmitted infections.

Originally from Iowa, Alisa is a foodie who loves trying out new restaurants. She also enjoys watching St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis City SC games and is an active member of her CrossFit community.

Learn more about Alisa and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/seZC0e

08/26/2025

We are pleased to welcome Amanda Humbers, FNP, a certified nurse practitioner specializing in neurology, to our Medical Arts Specialists team in Farmington.

Amanda is committed to delivering the highest level of compassionate care to her patients. As a provider, she treats each person as an individual and takes the time to tailor a treatment plan to address their unique needs and goals.

She specializes in treating a wide range of neurological conditions, from migraines and headaches to more complex issues like multiple sclerosis, dementia, and seizure disorders. She is also skilled at administering BOTOX® for chronic migraines and performs in-office EEG testing.

Raised in Mississippi, Amanda enjoys traveling, antiquing, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

Learn more about Amanda Humbers, FNP, and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/kXer7c

08/21/2025

We are excited to welcome Andrew Gaillardetz, MD, FAAFP, a board-certified family medicine physician, to BJC Medical Group Primary Care at Shiloh.

Dr. Gaillardetz knew he wanted to be a doctor since middle school and is driven by a love for understanding how the human body works. Today, he channels that lifelong curiosity into his practice, helping patients feel empowered to live their best lives.

Dr. Gaillardetz is passionate about caring for every stage of life, from newborns to seniors, and he is committed to building long-term relationships with his patients and their families. He strives to meet each patient where they are in life, partnering with them to navigate the health care system and helping them take ownership of their health. He is most proud when a patient quits an addiction or reaches a health milestone.

Dr. Gaillardetz treats a wide range of conditions, providing preventive care, well-child and adult physicals, well-woman exams, vaccinations, and care for LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals. He also addresses mental health and addiction, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues.

Dr. Gaillardetz is proud to have served as a Major in the United States Air Force Medical Service. After living all across the country, he is enjoying living and caring for patients in Southern Illinois.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Gaillardetz enjoys cooking, playing and watching sports, traveling, and spending time with his husband and three dogs.

Learn more about Dr. Gaillardetz and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/ykbpb3

08/20/2025

We are excited to welcome Kami Owenby, FNP, a certified family medicine nurse practitioner, to the BJC Medical Group Primary Care at St. Peters team.

Originally from High Hill, Missouri, Kami enjoys spending quality time with her family and playing sports. She is passionate about being actively involved with the youth in her community, and she brings her interests together by coaching children's sports teams.

Her dedication to guiding others to reach their potential extends directly into her practice. Kami enjoys getting to know her patients and building long-term relationships with them, providing evidence-based medicine and staying current with the latest guidelines to ensure her patients receive the best care.

As a family medicine nurse practitioner, Kami provides a wide range of care for patients of all ages, including preventive care, well-woman exams, pediatric visits, sick visits, and vaccinations.

Kami specializes in managing both acute and chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. She also provides consultations for contraception and weight management medications.

Learn more about Kami and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/3tvzBF

08/15/2025

We are excited to welcome Haley St. Peters, CNM, to our BJC Medical Group of Illinois Obstetrics/Gynecology team. Haley, a certified nurse midwife, is now seeing patients 16 and older at our Memorial Hospital Belleville and Memorial Hospital Shiloh locations.

Building on her experience as a labor and delivery nurse, Haley was inspired by the births of her own children to transition to a career as a nurse midwife. Those moments brought out a passion to support other families in one of the most intimate events of their lives.

Haley is committed to providing women-centered care and strives to deliver hands-on, compassionate, and individualized care for her patients. She has a special focus on breastfeeding and lactation education and support and is focused on creating a safe and supportive patient environment.

As a certified nurse midwife, Haley provides a full spectrum of women's health care. She specializes in routine well-woman exams, infection screenings, and provides care for pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, and menstrual issues.

Originally from the Metro East, Haley enjoys staying active, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and children.

Learn more about Haley and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/XFp6Dj

08/14/2025

School buses are officially rolling, but it's not too late to get your child's physical.

An annual physical is essential for students to ensure they're healthy and ready for the season ahead. BJC Medical Group makes it quick and easy, with physicals available for just $35 at our Convenient Care locations.

Walk-ins are welcome, or you can reserve your spot online:

Same-day or next-day appointments available. BJC Convenient Care is making it easy for every kid to get their school or sports physical. Be proactive in your child’s health and ensure their safety, all for just $35. Walk in or reserve a time online.

08/13/2025

We are excited to welcome Rabia Asghar, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist, to the BJC Medical Group Endocrinology at Christian Hospital team.

Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Asghar has made her home in St. Louis and loves living here. Outside of treating her patients, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, reading, crafting, and even boxing.

Dr. Asghar's approach to care is rooted in listening, as she believes in ensuring each patient feels heard, respected, and given the time they need. She is passionate about endocrinology because it allows her to build long-term relationships and closely monitor her patients' progress throughout treatment.

As an endocrinologist, Dr. Asghar specializes in diagnosing and treating adults with a variety of conditions, including diabetes, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal gland disorders, as well as osteoporosis and pituitary gland disorders.

Learn more about Dr. Asghar and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/F4lXO8

07/31/2025

Parents, blink and summer will be over. Don't wait until the last minute to schedule your child’s annual school and sports physicals. Our very own Charlotte Albinson, MD, explains why they are so important in her recent interview with KSDK News: https://heyor.ca/9f9k54

For just $35, you can get a youth physical at a BJC Medical Group Convenient Care. Find a location near you and schedule your child’s appointment today: https://heyor.ca/M6zaKJ

07/23/2025

We are thrilled to welcome Nancy Moore, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC to our BJC Medical Group of Illinois Obstetrics/Gynecology team. Nancy, a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner, is now seeing patients at our Belleville and Shiloh locations.

Nancy’s journey into health care began early, tagging along with her mother when she was on call as a cardiac sonographer. Shadowing a labor and delivery nurse in high school further fueled her interest. "Experiencing a birth was exciting and interesting," she recalls, which led her to pursue nursing and specialize in women's health.

Nancy is passionate about caring for women throughout their lifetime, supporting them through everything from adolescent health, to family planning and pregnancy, to menopause, and beyond. She's dedicated to listening to her patients' concerns, developing personalized treatment plans, and empowering them to make positive choices for their health. For Nancy, the best part of her work is building strong, trusting relationships and making a positive impact on her patients' lives.

When Nancy isn't with her patients, you can find her jogging, practicing yoga, diving into a historical fiction novel, trying out new restaurants, or traveling to new places. Originally from St. Louis, she loves living in Illinois with her family and their pets.

Learn more about Nancy and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/epsDNc