Blank Children's Hospital

10/20/2026

Every parent wants the best care for their baby. For Hannah, that journey also included managing Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy. With support from a Healthy Hometowns grant, Health – Des Moines launched Iowa’s first maternal-fetal medicine telehealth network. For Hannah, that meant expert care close to home instead of hours on the road for each appointment. Fewer trips meant less stress and more time with family.

This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $209,040,063.71 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, CMS/HHS, or the U.S Government.
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Image description: Hannah smiles towards the camera in a black shirt holds a smiling newborn baby. The baby is wearing a patterned onesie and is being cradled by the woman.

10/19/2026

October is National Physical Therapy Month! Our physical therapists are movement specialists and help many children recover from injuries, manage pain, improve mobility and get back to doing what they love. Join us in celebrating physical therapists for their expertise, compassion and commitment to helping patients move better every day. 💙
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Image description: A child uses a walker with assistance from a therapist in a room with colorful decor. The child is looking up at the adult with a happy expression.

10/19/2026

It's always a great day when the Iowa Wild comes to Blank Children's!

In addition to brightening hospital stays with a special visit, the Iowa Wild generously donated a new mobile sensory cart. The cart features lights, sounds and interactive elements that bring comfort and therapeutic play right to a child's bedside. We are so grateful for their ongoing generosity! 💙
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Photo descriptions:
Photos 1 & 2: Two Iowa Wild players smile with patients in their hospital rooms.
Photo 3: Representatives from Blank Children's and Iowa Wild hold a large check in front of a Blank Children's Hospital sign.

10/17/2026

Stop by the Des Moines Farmers Market this morning to visit some of our Child Life team members! 💙

10/17/2026

We need your help bringing Festival of Trees & Lights to life! 🎄

This cherished holiday event benefits critical programs at Blank Children's Hospital, and there are many opportunities to get involved! From helping set up trees to greeting guests with a friendly smile, you can help make the holidays bright for patients and families.

Sign up to volunteer at bit.ly/4hI9MVx
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Photo Description:
Festive blue and purple volunteer graphic that says "Sign up to be a volunteer today!"

10/16/2026

15 Years of Kid Captain!
The Kid Captain program has given children facing medical challenges the opportunity to step into the spotlight and feel the support of an entire community. One of the first Kid Captains, Jordan Ridnour, still remembers the excitement, kindness and encouragement she received while undergoing cancer treatment. “I felt very seen and had so much care and support shown from the fans,” she remembers. These meaningful moments stay with families and give us the opportunity to celebrate their strength. Read more about 15 years of courage, hope and unforgettable Cyclone memories! ❤️💛 Read the full story here: https://www.unitypoint.org/locations/unitypoint-health---blank-childrens-hospital/kid-captain
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Image description: A yellow and red graphic with the Kid Captain logo and text that says, "15 Years of Cheers". Three photos of Jordan and family members are also included on the graphic.

10/15/2026

Join families around the world and locally with Average Everyday Miracles for Wave the Light event. This event honors parents who are grieving the death of an infant, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies and more. Together, we remember.

Wave of Light | Tonight at 7 PM Local Time

Tonight, we join families around the world for the annual Wave of Light, honoring and remembering all babies gone too soon.

At 7 PM local time, we invite you to light a candle and let it burn for one hour in memory of the babies who will always hold a special place in our hearts. This shared moment of remembrance brings families and communities together to honor their lives and recognize the lasting impact of pregnancy and infant loss.

Everyone is welcome to participate. You can also share a photo of your candle and tag to be part of this global tribute.

Tonight, we remember every precious life and stand in support of all families who carry the loss of a baby. 🤍

10/14/2026

Get to Know Dr. Ben Byers!

Ben Beyers, DO, FACOG, works as a perinatologist, a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology – seeing patients with high-risk pregnancies. He grew up in Monticello, Iowa attended college at Central, medical school at Des Moines University. Dr. Byers went on to do his OBGYN residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.

Here’s a quick peek behind the white coat:
• What do you do for fun? He likes to play pickleball and golf, although he claims to not be good at either!
• Fun facts: He has lived in three different states and three different places in Texas. He was also in active duty for 13 years in the Army, achieving rank as a Lieutenant Colonel.
• Why Perinatology? Dr. Byer chose this field because his wife was high-risk when she was pregnant due to her Type 1 Diabetes. She was cared for by a perinatologist, and he was amazed at the skills, compassion and knowledge of her providers. He was inspired and wanted to give that kind of care to patients.
• Why Blank Children’s? The awesome reputation and great team members both in the hospital and perinatal clinic.
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Image description: Ben Beyers, DO, FACOG, and his wife stand together smiling towards the camera outdoors in front of greenery.

10/12/2026

We're proud to celebrate Dr. Nathan Boonstra, who was honored with the National American Academy of Pediatrics Special Achievement Award. Nominated by the Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Boonstra was recognized for his unwavering commitment to childhood immunizations, vaccine advocacy and HPV vaccine education. Thank you, Dr. Boonstra, for helping protect the health of children and families in our communities!
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Image description: A professional headshot of Dr. Boonstra sitting in front of a gray background and smiling at the camera.

10/10/2026

Giving back one sandwich at a time. 🍔 💙

Jethro's BBQ recently hosted a monthly give-back, donating $1 from every pulled pork sandwich sold to Blank Children's Hospital. We are so grateful for their generosity and to everyone who enjoyed a tasty meal in support!
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Photo Description:
Representatives from Blank Children's Hospital and Jethros, including Jethro's mascot, smile while holding a large check.