Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

08/23/2026

Lurie Children’s President & CEO, Dr. Tom Shanley, is one of the many athletes taking on the Chicago Triathlon today as part of the Corporate Challenge benefiting Lurie Children’s. From swimming in Lake Michigan to biking and running through the heart of Chicago, athletes are showing what’s possible when a community comes together for a cause.

We’re proud to cheer on Dr. Shanley and all of the athletes supporting Lurie Children’s and our patients and families.

Together, we’re aiming to raise $125,000 through the Corporate Challenge. Funds raised will benefit our Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, helping advance the care, research and resources that are creating a healthier future for every child.

08/22/2026

Feeding your baby shouldn’t feel overwhelming. During National Breastfeeding Month, remember that WIC is here to support families through every step — including challenges like latching. Reach out for free help, resources, and encouragement.

Learn more at wicgrocery.org

Alimentar a su bebé no debería sentirse abrumador. Durante el Mes Nacional de la Lactancia Materna, recuerde que WIC está aquí para apoyar a las familias en cada paso, incluso con desafíos como la prendida. Comuníquese con nosotros para recibir ayuda, recursos y aliento gratuitos.

Obtenga más información en wicgrocery.org

Together with Lurie Children's, members include:

08/21/2026

🎗️Join us on Thursday, September 17 for Lurie Children’s Race Against Cancer at Diversey Harbor.

Whether you run, walk, or cheer, the Race Against Cancer is a chance for Lurie Children’s supporters to connect with one another, walk alongside caregivers and staff, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the kids we care about.

Register today and be part of the race that makes a difference for kids and families in our community.

https://events.luriechildrens.org/race-against-cancer/

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

Together with Stone Community Development Corporation (Stone CDC), Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI), Wintrust Bank Chicago and Thresholds, we celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Austin HOPE Center, a first-of-its-kind community hub that brings together pediatric specialty care, behavioral health services and neighborhood-based programming designed with and for Austin families.

"The Austin HOPE Center is the result of what is possible when trusted community organizations come together with institutions to invest in our neighborhoods," said Pastor Contrell Jenkins, CEO of Stone Community Development Corporation. "Together with our partners and government and philanthropic supporters, we've created a place that belongs to Austin – one that will support children, families and future generations for years to come."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the completion of years of sustained partnership and engagement with residents, youth and community organizations to create a welcoming space focused on Healing, Opportunity, Partnerships and Equity (HOPE) in Austin.

The center will house an outpatient Lurie Children’s location where patients can access pediatric specialty and behavioral health services, reducing barriers to care while expanding access to nationally recognized pediatric expertise.

“For families like mine, having excellent care at the Austin HOPE Center close to home will mean less stress, fewer missed opportunities and a better quality of life overall," said Lurie Children's patient and Austin resident Michael Burgess.

The new center is a cornerstone of Lurie Children's Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities long-term commitment to advancing health equity by addressing the factors that shape children's health beyond the walls of the hospital.

Read more https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/news-stories/austin-hope-center-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-expanding-access-to-pediatric-care-and-community-resources/.

08/19/2026

🛝💙 For 3-year-old Bedford, a rare diagnosis became the beginning of a story that would bring thousands of people together.

When Bedford was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS), an extremely rare genetic condition that causes muscle stiffness throughout the body and affects the way bones and joints develop. There are only 150 medically recorded cases of SJS worldwide, experts say. As his parents, Hollie and Jesse, began navigating life with his diagnosis, they started sharing little moments online. Today, more than 1 million people follow Bedford’s journey, cheer him on virtually, and are motivated to tackle the challenges in their own lives, the way he does.

One of Bedford’s biggest challenges was also one of the most ordinary: finding a place to play.

As Bedford prepared to start preschool, Hollie realized the school’s playground wasn’t designed for a child who uses a walker. She shared the desire for more inclusive play spaces online, and the response was extraordinary.

The family was connected with Unlimited Play, a nonprofit committed to creating inclusive playgrounds where children of all abilities can play together. Together with Little Tikes Commercial and an incredible community of donors, the Ericksons raised nearly $700,000 to build not only the inclusive playground of their dreams, but a sport court and pavilion to go alongside it.

On Aug. 15, Bedford’s Playground officially opened at his school in Kankakee, just in time for his schoolyear. Designed so children with and without disabilities can play alongside one another, the space features accessible surfacing, sensory areas and an accessible “spine” that allows Bedford to move around comfortably with his walker.

One of the most wonderful parts of Bedford’s story is all in his name.

“To see his namesake come to fruition in teaching people that everyone’s life does have meaning and matters…it’s been such an amazing thing for us to watch as parents, but as people, too.”

Read Bedford’s full story, including the unexpected meaning behind his name, and how an inspired community helped build a place where every child can play and belong, on the blog: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/its-a-meaningful-life-bedfords-rare-diagnosis-social-media-movement-and-playground-for-all/

08/19/2026

Communication became everything to Annalia when her 7-year-old daughter, Ruby, unexpectedly underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM). For , Annalia sat down with Dr. Sandi Lam, Division Head of Neurosurgery at Lurie Children’s, on Neurosurgery Podcast to talk about the moments that made all the difference.

Four months after her surgery, Ruby is enjoying summer like any other kid. She recently attended her very first overnight summer camp with the Girl Scouts. Her mom describes her as thoughtful, kind and “fiercely independent.” Dr. Lam said it is one of her “greatest privileges" to watch Ruby grow and thrive.

08/19/2026

🏊‍♂️🚲 🏃‍♀️ The Chicago SuperTri Corporate Challenge benefiting Lurie Children’s brings over 150 athletes and their companies from across Chicago together this weekend, August 22-23.

Dr. Tom Shanley, President and CEO of Lurie Children’s, and fundraiser Tyler Hurley will be competing in the SuperTri and recently joined CBS Chicago to talk about the event and the importance of coming together to support the patients and families of Lurie Children’s.

Together, we’re aiming to raise $125,000 through the Corporate Challenge. Funds raised will benefit Lurie Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, helping advance the care, research and resources that are creating a healthier future for every child.

We’re proud to cheer on every athlete taking on the challenge and grateful to everyone helping make a difference for Lurie Children’s.

Watch the interview: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/supertri-chicago-athletes-raising-money-for-lurie-childrens-hospital/

Learn more about the Corporate Challenge: https://events.luriechildrens.org/chicago-triathlon-corporate-challenge

08/17/2026

: keeping it Lurie Children’s chic 💙

08/17/2026

Greyson was just four months old when he underwent his first cleft lip surgery with Dr. Noopur Gangopadhyay, a pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Cleft lip and palate occur when a baby’s lip and the roof of their mouth do not fully form before birth, often requiring a series of reconstructive procedures. Born with both conditions, six-year-old Greyson has now undergone four surgeries under Dr. Gangopadhyay’s care.

Yet, his extensive surgical history hasn’t slowed him down. "Greyson is a typical, active boy," says his mom, Molly. "He loves dirt bike racing, playing hockey, and hanging out with his sisters, Marlow and Lennon."

Molly calls Dr. Gangopadhyay "our hero," praising not only her surgical expertise but also the warmth, compassion, and consistency she has provided their family over the years.

The connection has been deeply meaningful for Dr. Gangopadhyay as well. Earlier this year, she nominated Greyson to participate in the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association - ACPA's 100 Cleft Portraits Tour—a project created by artist Katie Manning to raise awareness and celebrate the lived experiences of individuals born with cleft conditions.

As part of the tour’s Chicago stop, Manning painted a custom portrait of Greyson, which will be officially unveiled during a special event at Lurie Children’s on August 18.

For Molly, the portrait and celebration reflect how their journey has brought unexpected joy, strength, and community to their lives.

"Cleft is part of Greyson’s story, but it doesn’t define him," Molly shared. "If anything, it’s shown him—and all of us—just how strong he really is."