Dayton Children's Hospital

Today, we celebrated a meaningful milestone for Dayton Children’s and the future of pediatric health in our region. Our West Dayton location is now the Feldman Center for Healthy Futures, honoring Debbie Feldman’s 14 years of visionary leadership and her lasting impact on children and families across our community. Under Debbie’s leadership, Dayton Children’s expanded access to care, strengthened mental health services, built innovative community partnerships and reimagined how we support families — not only when children are sick, but throughout their journey to lifelong health and wellbeing. The Feldman Center for Healthy Futures reflects that vision: bringing trusted pediatric care, support and opportunity closer to home for families in West Dayton. Beginning May 27, urgent care services at this location will offer same-day pediatric care with evening and weekend hours — an important step in making care more accessible for the children and families we serve. Thank you to the many community partners, supporters and families whose voices and generosity helped make this vision possible. Together, we are building healthier futures for every child within our reach. Read the full news release at https://bit.ly/4dVA70m

At Dayton Children’s, we know a child’s health is shaped by far more than what happens inside a hospital room. That’s why we’re honored to see USA TODAY spotlight Vermillion Place — an innovative kinship housing community created through the collaboration of Dayton Children’s and community partners to support relatives raising children when parents cannot. This story highlights the real challenges kinship caregivers face, the importance of stable housing, and what’s possible when organizations come together to address the social drivers of health in meaningful ways. Read the full USA TODAY feature at https://bit.ly/439WiK2

What an unforgettable evening and an incredible impact for kids and families across our community. ✨ Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors, donors, supporters and community partners, this year’s cha | cha fundraiser raised more than $1.4 million in support of Dayton Children’s, surpassing its $1.3 million goal. These funds help Dayton Children's continue to create moments of comfort, connection and compassion for children and families during some of life’s most difficult times, delivering the exceptional pediatric experience every child deserves. We are deeply grateful to the Women’s Board, event volunteers, sponsors and every individual who helped bring this special night to life. From the behind-the-scenes planning to the laughter and celebration shared throughout the evening, this event reflected the power of a community coming together for kids. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us continue to provide trusted, locally focused care for the children who need us most. ❤️

Partnerships that invest in local children and families make a lasting impact. Throughout May, Costco Wholesale warehouses nationwide are raising funds for their local Children's Miracle Network hospitals, and that support continues to make a meaningful difference here at Dayton Children's. Since 2015, Costco and its members have helped raise more than $335,000 to support patient care and services for kids in our community. This year’s campaign is especially meaningful as it features our patient ambassador and CMN national champion, Rudy, on a special-edition Mott’s Fruit Snacks box. Rudy recently helped launch the campaign by visiting with Costco staff and sharing firsthand how community support helps children and families across the region. We’re grateful for partners like Costco who help ensure exceptional pediatric care remains close to home.

If we want kids to talk about mental wellness, we have to change where and how those conversations begin. At Stingley Elementary’s recent “Community Day,” our On Our Sleeves team partnered with educators to bring mental wellness into a space kids know and trust: the classroom. Through a simple origami activity designed to spark conversation, students explored how to express their feelings - while resources shared with teachers and families helped extend that learning far beyond the school day. Traditionally, mental wellness education is directed toward adults. And while that remains critical, this experience reinforces an important point: when we equip both children and the trusted adults around them, we create a more connected, supportive environment for every child. This is what it means to be a locally focused, trusted care partner - meeting communities where they are, removing barriers to conversation, and making mental wellness part of everyday life. What would it look like if more community spaces embraced this approach?

Please join us in celebrating Cheryl Coffey-Behne, this year’s Cameo of Caring Award recipient - the highest nursing honor at Dayton Children’s. For nearly 40 years, Cheryl has been a trusted guide for patients and families, helping them navigate complex care with clarity, kindness and unwavering support. Whether she’s coordinating treatment, removing financial barriers or simply asking, “How can I help you?” - her impact is felt in every interaction. Known as “clinic famous” by those she serves, Cheryl goes above and beyond to ensure families feel informed, empowered and cared for long after they leave our doors. Her work is a powerful example of what it means to be a trusted care partner, and the kind of exceptional pediatric experience every child deserves. Congratulations, Cheryl, and thank you for the countless lives you’ve touched along the way. 💫

Today, on Children’s Mental Health Day, we’re proud to celebrate five years of On Our Sleeves and the impact this movement has made for children and families across our communities. At Dayton Children’s, we know mental health is just as important as physical health — and families deserve trusted, accessible resources to help children navigate emotions, stress and everyday challenges. Since joining the On Our Sleeves movement in 2021, we’ve worked alongside families, schools, community partners and caregivers to normalize conversations around children’s mental wellness and break down stigma through education and awareness. Over the last five years, On Our Sleeves has empowered families with practical tools, expert-backed guidance and meaningful conversations that remind kids they are never alone. As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize there is still important work ahead. Every conversation, every shared resource and every supportive adult can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Thank you to everyone who has helped champion children’s mental health with us. We invite you to join the movement and continue creating communities where every child feels supported, understood and heard.

When it comes to youth sports, parents are navigating more decisions—and more pressure—than ever before. We are proud to share a recent Women’s Health article featuring Dr. Lora Scott, Division Chief of Sports Medicine at Dayton Children’s, as she shares her perspective on how families can support young athletes while prioritizing long-term health and wellbeing. “We lose sight of the point of youth sports,” Dr. Scott explains. “Very few children will go on to play at an elite level… Instead, participation should be about teaching them the lifelong lesson that exercise is fun.” At the heart of her approach is a simple but powerful reminder: “Exercise is fun, exercise is social, and you don’t have to be an elite person to enjoy it. When parents and coaches lose this perspective, they’re pushing for the wrong things.” As a pediatric sports medicine specialist, Dr. Scott offers practical, evidence-based guidance for families navigating today’s sports landscape: • Delay specializing in a single sport—“around the age of 16 would be ideal.” • Keep training time age-appropriate (e.g., an 8-year-old should not exceed eight hours per week) • Build in rest and recovery to support both physical and mental health She also encourages parents to focus on their role as a source of support: “Think about why you sign them up for sports… That’s what you want to talk to them about… not their performance.” At Dayton Children’s, we believe in supporting the whole child—not just the athlete. Because when kids enjoy movement, they’re more likely to stay active for life. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g2yexemi

Cyrus’ story began with uncertainty - but today, it’s filled with strength, progress, and so much heart. 💛 After a traumatic birth and time in the NICU, Cyrus continues to receive care from a dedicated team at Dayton Children’s, helping him navigate Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), vision challenges, and developmental milestones. Today, his seizures are controlled, he’s smiling thanks to vision therapy, and he’s working hard toward crawling, all while being the sweetest, happiest boy alongside his family and playing outside. Through it all, Cyrus’ mom has felt the power of having a trusted care partner close to home: “I always felt respected and in the loop with his care.” That connection - listening, collaborating, and putting families at the center - is what drives everything we do. Cyrus still has work ahead, but he’s surrounded by a community that’s rooting for him, and a care team committed to helping him thrive, right here at home. 💛

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day - a moment to recognize the educators who play such a vital role in the health, development and future of our children. Teaching extends far beyond academics. It’s the patience to guide, the awareness to recognize when something isn’t quite right, and the compassion to support kids through challenges big and small. Every day, educators help shape not just minds, but confidence, resilience and wellbeing. At Dayton Children’s, we see firsthand how strong partnerships between educators and healthcare providers support the whole child, both inside and outside the classroom. Today, we’re proud to celebrate these Champions for Children and the lasting impact they make in our community. If there’s an educator who has made a difference in your life or career, consider taking a moment today to recognize them.