Riley Children's Health

06/12/2026

Harper Houser, 7, of West Terre Haute, enjoyed a cool treat after undergoing urology surgery with Dr. Joshua Roth on Monday at Riley Hospital for Children. Carlie Houser said her daughter suffers from Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare congenital condition affecting the lower spine and pelvis. She sees a multidisciplinary team at Riley, including urology, neurology and orthopedics. Harper, who had her parents, little brother and grandparents keeping her company at the hospital, will be in second grade in the fall. She loves to paint and draw and was looking forward to a visit from the Child Life team to set her up with some art supplies. Riley’s urology program is recognized as the top pediatric urology program in Indiana and among the top 10 in the country.
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06/11/2026

Greyson Williams has been at Riley since May 27, 2025, about a month before he was listed for a heart transplant. The five-year-old was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome which has required more than one stay at Riley.

Of course, Chaney cannot wait for the day Greyson will receive his life-changing heart transplant. But until then, she is grateful. She also maintains a sobering outlook.

"It has been like a hard year waiting, but just knowing what has to happen to get the transplant, as long as he's been pretty stable, just knowing that he has been happy and stable, the wait isn't as hard knowing that another parent gets more time with their kiddo," Chaney explained.

Greyson Williams has been at Riley since May 27, 2025, about a month before he was listed for a heart transplant. The five-year-old was born with…

06/11/2026

“If everybody is watching your child, nobody's watching your child.” As we gather for summer festivities and get-togethers, Riley Trauma Program Manager Tracy Spitzer explains why it is crucial to make sure there’s a designated person watching kids at all times.

06/11/2026

After the death of a loved one, kids often think:
-They won't feel good again
-There is no other young person to talk to who has lost someone special
-No one understands
Camp Good Grief can help with these feelings, emotions and thoughts. Through art, music and play, campers will connect with others experiencing loss, learn positive coping and how to preserve memories and honor loved ones.
Learn more about camps across Indiana and register here: https://tinyurl.com/bdmpay9j

06/10/2026

Parents play a key role in caring for little Roman in the hospital so they are ready for anything when it’s time to take him home.

Riley Children’s Health provides access to pediatric primary and specialty care across Indiana, including at Riley Hospital for Children in downtown…

06/10/2026

Robin Hawkins is not quite ready to leave her heart behind at Riley Hospital for Children, so the idea of retirement is a little scary. But after 23 years in Riley’s pediatric cardiology department, the practice administrator has decided now is the time.

July 2 will be her last day, but she promises to return, even if it’s in a volunteer role: “I would love to rock babies or do whatever I can do at Riley,” she said. “I’m not ready to fully cut ties. I love everybody here so much, and I’m going to miss them terribly.”

In her two-plus decades with the pediatric cardiology program, she has worked with top-tier physicians, advanced-practice providers, nurses and everyone who keeps the program moving forward.

“When I got here, there were 11 cardiologists. I got to work with Dr. Don Girod and Dr. Roger Hurwitz, then Dr. Randy Caldwell,” she said. “Now there are 36 cardiologists.”

The growth in the past several years under the leadership of former division chief Dr. Larry Markham was exciting for her: “I had so many aspirations for this division and wanted to see it grow and offer more clinics. It was like a whirlwind.”

Hawkins, who oversees the ambulatory side of the practice, including outpatient clinics around the state, said patients and their families appreciate not having to travel a great distance to receive care.

“I love this group so much. I don’t think they realize how much they truly do mean to me.”

The feeling is mutual, according to members of her team, who gathered for a photo recently.

“I feel like Robin is like the mother of this unit. Whenever you have questions, you go to her,” said Dr. Puranik Poonam.

“She has one of the biggest hearts of anybody I know,” added Stephanie Caine, an administrative assistant.

Knowing that Riley kids receive the best in cardiology care makes Hawkins proud, even if she has no direct interaction with them: “They’re in the best hands. Whatever your role is at Riley, it’s always about the kids.”

There will be a reception for Hawkins at Riley on June 23.

--Maureen Gilmer, [email protected]; photos by Mike Dickbernd, [email protected]

06/09/2026

Joani Adorno Diaz, an administrative assistant for Riley's developmental medicine, uses her love of doodling to make patients smile. 🎨

Joani says her boss, Jennifer Collins, initially "voluntold" her to put her creativity to work by doodling on the clinic's windows instead of just her notebook. These days, it's evolved into her opportunity to care for patients in a special and fun way.

06/08/2026

Three times the blessings for The Kercheval Family who welcomed three girls into the world on April 21. 👧👧👧

Verity, Asah and Temperance were born at Riley's Maternity Tower and are continuing to grow at IU Health North!

Brad and Heather, the girls' parents, continued giggling as they retold the moment they knew they were pregnant with three babies.
Read more about the family's triplet journey here: https://www.rileychildrens.org/connections/they-wanted-one-more-baby-they-got-three

06/06/2026

Three-year-old Paul Minix is energetic, likes to be on the move, and loves to play outside. He can also do some pretty amazing things, such as naming his favorite dinosaurs, which is something that most adults would find difficult. His stuffed prehistoric reptile friends have been keeping him company since his arrival to Riley Hospital for Children Sunday. Paul was playing outside his home when he accidentally fell into a fire pit causing burns on his arm, back and both legs. He has already had one surgery, and in true energetic fashion Paul wanted to walk around shortly afterwards. He will receive a dermal substitute and skin graft on Monday. Until then he plans on playing X-Box and taking walks within the Burn unit. He also enjoys spending time in the playroom where he likes to pretend that he is a doctor.

06/04/2026

Westfield parents are counting their multiple blessings as their triplets grow in the NICU.