Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

When life gives you lemons… you give back! 🍋💛

Meet 3-year-old Finley, the daughter of Stephanie, a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Adolescents Clinical Educator at Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children’s Hospital.

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Stephanie and Finley set up a lemonade stand to raise money for our pediatric hematology and oncology patients and families. From stickering cups to serving up “the most delicious lemonade ever", Finley learned the joy of giving back, and together, they raised over $400!

The funds helped purchase special items from the unit's Amazon Wishlist, including patterned NG tube tape, PICC arm sleeves, band aids, character pillowcases, animal ice packs, sound machines and more, all chosen by our nurses with our patients in mind.

Stephanie’s compassion for her patients is truly infectious, and she’s passing that same kindness on to the next generation. Thank you to Stephanie, Finley and those in our community who graciously donated!

If you feel inspired to give, click here to learn ways you can help make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families: https://bit.ly/4njdip2

10/17/2025

In early January 2021, Lyric’s parents noticed something wasn’t quite right. What began as occasional complaints of pain while walking or playing soon escalated. Lyric, once full of energy, began turning down playtime and eventually resorted to scooting and sliding around the house to avoid walking. Her parents knew it was time to seek professional help.

They took Lyric to a local pediatric clinic where initial tests raised concerns and referred them to an orthopedic specialist. After observing her walk, they immediately urged her family to get her to Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem without delay.

At Brenner Children’s Hospital, Lyric was diagnosed with osteomyelitis in her hip and spine—a serious bone infection that required immediate and intensive treatment. She spent 11 days in the hospital, enduring IVs, blood draws, antibiotics, ultrasounds and other testing. During her stay, she lost 10 pounds and had to relearn how to walk.

Despite the severity of her condition, Lyric’s care team made her feel safe, seen and supported. They loved her infamous purple glasses and treated her with warmth and honesty. Lyric’s family says that the care team’s world-class professionalism and compassion helped make an incredibly difficult time more bearable.

Lyric’s recovery was fueled by faith, family and fun. She stayed motivated through prayer, singing, playing games and even basketball with her dad using a wheelchair.

After her recovery, Lyric tried out for cheerleading, basketball and volleyball but didn’t make the teams. Then came track—a sport she had no prior experience in, despite both her parents having run in high school. It turned out to be the perfect fit.

Lyric began competing in events like the 400m, 4x400m relay and high jump at the Junior Olympics, and also participated in other events and long jumps for her school and AAU team. When she qualified for the Junior Olympics, her excitement was palpable—it was her first and second year ever in sports and she was already making waves.

Inspired by Lyric’s strength and story, her mom, Kayla—an artist and writer since elementary school—created a coloring book that brings Lyric’s journey to life. Featuring illustrations of Lyric, her teammates, coaches and word search puzzles, the book is designed to be both relatable and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Its message is clear: faith, patience and perseverance can carry you through even the toughest battles.

Lyric’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of a loving care team and the beauty of finding your stride—even when the odds are stacked against you.

10/14/2025

Two-year-old Zariah’s journey with type 1 diabetes began when she was only 10 months old. After a 12-hour emergency room visit to a nearby hospital nearly ended in discharge without answers, her mom and grandmother refused to give up.

During the visit, bloodwork was conducted to get a better idea of what was going on. “Her dad has type 1 diabetes, so it had always been a fear of mine,” said Zariah’s mom, Kaitlyn.

After a check on her glucose levels revealed that Zariah had an unusually high glucose level, she was rushed into critical care. Zariah was transferred to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital and our pediatric team got to work right away. “Everything went so smoothly from there,” says Kaitlyn. From the moment they arrived, Zariah was surrounded by compassionate, expert care. Nurses and doctors worked swiftly to stabilize her, and her mom recalls feeling like she could finally breathe.

Today, Zariah is thriving thanks to her insulin pump, continuous glucose monitoring and the support of her family and care team.

“Initially I was waking up every 4 hours to do finger pricks and give her insulin shots, so both of these things were a game changer for diabetes,” says Kaitlyn.

Her advice to other parents? Always advocate for your child.

“We know our babies best,” says Kaitlyn. “Diabetes is hard to manage, especially in a toddler, so it’s not perfect, but we’re doing the best we can. My parents and my boyfriend were truly my rocks. I couldn’t have managed everything as a single mom without their support through it all.”

10/06/2025

No trending audio needed. Just the sights and sounds at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital. 🏥🎶🔔

10/03/2025

Life of a Showgirl dropped and so did the glitter, giggles and the karaoke mic. 🎤

From friendship bracelets to dress-up props, Sophie's Place came RED-y with an album release party. Starring our favorite Swiftie and child life specialist, Cheyenne, our teammates made an enchanted afternoon for our patients and their families.

10/02/2025

From hospital stays to football sidelines, Zaiden’s journey with sickle cell disease is a testament to the power of hope, resilience and unwavering support. ❤️

Diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth, Zaiden needs specialized care to stay healthy. Over the years, monthly blood transfusions and daily medication have become a routine part of Zaiden’s care at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital.

As Zaiden got older, his care changed to fit his needs. Because living with sickle cell caused him to experience high fevers and painful swelling in his hands among other symptoms, regular check-ups with his care team have been important to helping Zaiden navigate the disease. Despite undergoing several hospital stays and surgeries, Zaiden has proven to be a brave kid through it all. With compassionate support from his care team and family, Zaiden has learned to listen to his body and follow his treatment plan.

Today, Zaiden is thriving and never letting sickle cell hold him back from doing things he loves like reading, playing sports and spending time with his siblings.

Zaiden was honored as the coin toss kid at a recent Wake Forest Football game where he got to catch the pregame warm up on the sideline, oversee the coin toss with the refs and captains and enjoy the game with his family as our special guests.

Zaiden’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of early diagnosis, great medical care and support from family and friends on ensuring kids with sickle cell disease live happy and healthy lives.

10/01/2025

This year, our Read-A-Thon sprouted joy like a grove of Truffula trees, and of course, is Lorax-approved! 📚

Led by Shannon, director of our Dale and Karen Sisel Neonatal Intensive Care Unit psychosocial services, and Sarah from child life, Read-A-Thon encourages both families and staff to read to their babies. This initiative promotes literacy and strengthens bonds—just as Dr. Seuss reminds us, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Thank you to our incredible teammates who helped make this event a page-turning success for our families.

09/30/2025

09/30/2025

Sayin’, “Ayo, no more chemo!” for Emma! 🔔

To the tune of Dynamite by Taio Cruz, 16-year-old Emma rang the bell surrounded by friends, family and the dedicated care staff who were on this journey with her. In January, Emma was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma with a rare syncytial variant.

Before coming to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital, the road to discovering her diagnosis was challenging. What started as a rash on her legs eventually led to pneumonia-like symptoms. After an X-ray revealed a large tumor in her chest, Emma underwent 4 rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“She was so strong through all of her cancer treatments,” said Emma’s mom, Merritt. “Her care team at the hospital was always amazing. Dr. Anne Byrd Mahoney is kind and provided the best treatments for Emma. We also had some amazing nurses. I would tell a family facing childhood cancer to stay strong.”

Now, as Emma looks forward to getting her port removed and entering a new chapter, her resilience shines brighter than ever. Despite the fatigue and changes brought on by treatment, Emma continues to find joy in singing, spending time with friends and discovering new passions. With each step forward, Emma’s story inspires others facing similar challenges to stay strong, trust their instincts and celebrate every victory along the way.

09/22/2025

For more than four decades, Angela has been a guiding light in pediatric care — comforting young patients, mentoring nurses and supporting families through life’s most vulnerable moments.

Her journey began in 1983, when she joined what is now Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital. As a charge nurse, Angela has managed admissions, transfers and daily rounds, supported her team through schedule changes, and ensured smooth discharges — all while being a trusted resource and mentor.

Angela’s calling started early, growing up in a large family on a farm in a Sappony Native American community. Her nurturing spirit and faith-based values inspired her to care for others, especially children. Encouraged by her sister, she applied to the hospital nearly 40 years ago, drawn to its collaborative environment and career opportunities.

She’s seen Brenner Children’s Hospital evolve over the years and values how nursing voices have helped shape patient care. Through hardships and heartbreaks, Angela has leaned on her faith, family and her chosen “work family” for strength — fostering team spirit through encouragement, kindness and regular potlucks.

💙 Congratulations, Angie, on your retirement! Thank you for over four decades of compassion, expertise and dedication to pediatric care. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations of nurses and caregivers.

09/18/2025

🧸🏁 A “bear-y” special delivery was made to our patients, thanks to the Speedy Bear Brigade! Chosen by Martinsville Speedway as this year’s honoree, Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital received a $10,000 gift to support Brenner FIT and 40 teddy bear activity kits for the Child Life department. Thank you to Martinsville Speedway Track President Clay Campbell for making this heartfelt pit stop!

Brenner FIT is a family-centered program dedicated to helping children and families manage weight and related health concerns. Through clinical care, community engagement, education and research, Brenner FIT uses evidence-based methods to encourage healthy habits for the whole family. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4goOdac