Ochsner Children's

06/10/2026

Three years ago, Amelia H. arrived at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans in liver failure. Today, she is thriving.

After being airlifted to New Orleans and receiving a lifesaving liver transplant through Ochsner Children’s pediatric transplant program, Amelia has returned to doing what kids do best: learning to play piano, excelling in gymnastics and making memories with her family.

For Amelia’s parents, some of the most meaningful milestones are the everyday moments. A fever that passes without a hospital stay. A new skill learned. Another year of watching their daughter grow stronger.

“Three years later, she isn’t just surviving, she’s thriving, and we don’t take a single day of that for granted,” her father, Jesse, said.

Amelia’s story reflects the expertise and care provided by Ochsner Children's pediatric transplant team. It is also a powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation.

“Organ donation doesn’t just save a life; it saves a family,” Jesse said.

Today, we celebrate Amelia’s transplant anniversary, honor the donor who made her second chance possible and recognize the physicians, nurses and care teams who help children like Amelia live full, healthy lives.

Learn more about organ transplants and donation at Ochsner by visiting https://ow.ly/7OYf50Z90pc.

06/09/2026

Meet Brandi Hansford, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner at Ochsner Children's Health Center – Meridian in Meridian, Mississippi. Starting her medical career as a neonatal nurse, Brandi quickly realized she wanted to play a larger, more continuous role in her patients' lives. This drive led her to pediatrics, where today, she focuses on building strong, lasting relationships with the children and families she serves.

To learn more, visit: https://ow.ly/jNQp50Z9FyR

05/29/2026

Ochsner Children’s is excited to enter a new phase of growth in our pediatric cardiology and heart surgery program with continued national recognition for exceptional patient outcomes.

This expansion and recognition reflect Ochsner Children’s commitment to building one of the Gulf South’s most comprehensive pediatric heart centers while increasing access to lifesaving, highly specialized care for children and families across the region.

This clinical expansion builds on a strong foundation of nationally recognized excellence. According to data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), Ochsner Children’s pediatric heart surgery program ranks among the top programs in the country and Ochsner’s survival rates are among the highest in the nation compared to STS national averages, particularly for the most complex and high-risk heart surgeries, including the Stage 1 Norwood procedure for newborns. At the same time, the program’s mortality rates are among the lowest in the country, underscoring consistently strong outcomes, even in the most challenging cases.

“For families facing the uncertainty of pediatric heart surgery, outcomes matter,” said Benjamin Peeler, MD, chief of pediatric cardiac surgery and co-director of the Congenital Heart Center for Ochsner Children’s. “Our team’s performance reflects a deep commitment to delivering the safest, highest-quality care possible. As we grow, we remain focused on maintaining and advancing these exceptional outcomes.”

This period of expansion comes as Ochsner Health continues construction on The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital, a new five-story, 343,000-square-foot facility designed to elevate pediatric care through advanced technology and a family-centered environment. Located on the campus of Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, the new hospital, opening in 2028, will further support the growth of specialized programs like pediatric heart care and enhance the experience for patients and families.

As Ochsner Children’s continues to expand its pediatric heart program, these efforts underscore a broader commitment to improving access, advancing outcomes and ensuring that children throughout the Gulf South can receive world-class care close to home.

⭐ Learn more about pediatric cardiology at Ochsner Children’s here: https://ow.ly/vEyz50Z5AkW.

05/29/2026

Please join us in welcoming Adaku Adebamiji, MD, to Ochsner Baton Rouge!

Dr. Adebamiji is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist who cares for infants, children and teens with stomach, liver and nutrition concerns. She sees patients at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dr. Adebamiji earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and completed her pediatric residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She also completed advanced training in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital in Washington state.

Dr. Adebamiji helps care for common and complex concerns like belly pain, feeding trouble, constipation, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. She works with each child and their family to build a care plan that supports their needs while addressing prevention and other treatments available.

We’re happy to welcome her knowledge, skill and heart for children’s health to Ochsner. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Adebamiji! 💙

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit: https://www.ochsner.org/doctors/adaku-adebamiji-md/.

Adaku Adebamiji, MD, specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Ochsner Health in Prairieville, LA and Baton Rouge, LA

05/22/2026

Congratulations to our friend, Shaquille O' Neal on earning his Master of Liberal Arts degree! 🎓

Shaquille has made an immense difference for children and families in Baton Rouge through his support of Ochsner’s pediatric care efforts, including the Shaquille O’Neal Pediatric Super Clinic at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove. His generosity and heart for the community help strengthen access to expert care close to home. We are so grateful. 💙

Please join us in congratulating Shaquille!

Congratulations to Shaquille O' Neal on earning his Master of Liberal Arts degree from Louisiana State University during LSU commencement — marking an impressive fourth higher education degree, in addition to his Bachelor's, MBA and Ed.D.

As an LSU Basketball legend, he has inspired generations on and off the court, and this meaningful milestone reflects his continued commitment to growth, discipline, and leading with purpose.

We are grateful for the difference Shaquille has made for children and families in Baton Rouge through his support of Ochsner’s pediatric care efforts, including the Shaquille O’Neal Pediatric Super Clinic at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove. His generosity and heart for the community help strengthen access to expert care close to home.

His example shows that true leadership is not only about personal achievement. It is also about opening doors for others and investing in the health and future of our communities.
Congratulations, Shaquille!

05/19/2026

At just 13 weeks old, Cora’s family received life-changing news: Their baby girl had a brain tumor. What followed was a journey of resilience, expert care and hope that has led to Cora thriving today as a 5-year-old. 💙

Cora was born in March 2021 and instantly brought joy to her family. But at 11 weeks old, she started experiencing unexplained brief, resolved, unexplained event (BRUE) episodes. BRUE episodes are sudden episodes in an infant under one year old—lasting less than 60 seconds—involving breathing changes, color changes (pale/blue), altered muscle tone or reduced responsiveness, which returns to normal on its own.

Naturally, these occurrences left her parents searching for answers. After multiple doctor visits to pediatric ENTs and GI specialists and many hospital stays, Cora’s care team at Ochsner Children’s uncovered the cause — seizures caused by a brain tumor.

That’s when Cora came to Ochsner’s Children Hospital and met neurosurgeon Cuong “CJ” Bui, MD, and the multi-disciplinary teams for epilepsy and brain tumors.

Dr. Bui and Cora’s team of neurologists and oncologists worked quickly to create a plan. While they initially hoped to delay surgery, Cora’s seizures became more frequent, and at just 6 months old, she underwent brain surgery on November 8, 2021, with Dr. Bui.

“Cora presented with progressive seizure activity secondary to a complex brain tumor, requiring careful evaluation and coordination across multiple subspecialties," Dr. Bui said. "Through close collaboration between pediatric neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, pediatric oncology and critical care teams, we developed a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to her age and clinical course. Her excellent outcome reflects not only the technical aspects of the surgery, but the strength of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to complex pediatric neurosurgical care.”

Thanks to the immense skill, expertise and compassion of Cora’s surgeons and care team, the surgery was a success! Today, Cora is thriving, happy and showing no signs of tumor regrowth.

Her family is forever grateful for the unmatched care they received at Ochsner, which they credit with saving their little girl’s life.

⭐ Learn more about Dr. Bui here: https://ow.ly/h8y450YZ4a0.

⭐ Learn more about pediatric neurosurgery at Ochsner Children's here: https://ow.ly/XS1q50YZ4fJ.

05/13/2026

Our Ochsner Children's Therapy & Wellness team joined local families and community partners at the 2026 Active for Autism 5K, Run/Walk and Family Fun Fest in Baton Rouge.

We connected with families, shared helpful resources and supported autism awareness. We are grateful to be part of events like this that strengthen support for children and families across the Greater Baton Rouge area.

05/08/2026

Happy Nurses Week! 🩺

Today, we're shining a spotlight on Olivia Jones, RN, a pediatric ICU nurse at Ochsner LSU Health, whose passion for advocacy and compassionate care continues to make a meaningful impact on patients and families every day.

“I believe the future of nursing is full of opportunity," Olivia said. “A nurse can expand their roles outside of the bedside into forensic nursing, IT and aesthetics offering greater flexibility and professional fulfillment.”

Olivia is especially inspired by the growing voice of nurses in healthcare. “We are actively advocating for safer patient care, improved staffing ratios and greater attention to nurse well-being,” she said, recognizing the important progress happening across the profession.

For Olivia, nursing has always felt like where she belongs.

“Nursing has always felt like a natural fit for me," she said. "I’m someone who is instinctively drawn to caring for others, and I find it especially rewarding to see the difference my care makes in my patient’s life often in real time. It's the reason I love ICU nursing!”

The most rewarding part of her role is being a strong advocate for her patients.

“When I reflect on my day during my drive home, I often find myself smiling, knowing I made a difference,” Olivia said.

As a forensic nurse, she also values being a source of support during life’s hardest moments.

“Being trusted during those times is something I never take lightly," she said. "And it’s what makes my work so worthwhile.”

Thank you, Olivia, for the compassion, strength and dedication you bring to every patient and family you serve. 💙

Happy Nurses Week!

05/08/2026

Happy Nurses Week! 🩺

Today, we’re spotlighting Rachel Phillips, RN, pediatric cardiology nurse at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Rachel became a nurse, because of her personal connection to the care nurses have shown her loved ones.

“I had people in my life who depended on healthcare teams for one condition or another, and I wanted to be able to help solve problems and provide genuine care to those in need,” Rachel said.

Rachel says she’s excited for the future of nursing, especially the new technology that allows for higher patient comfortability and more time for nurses to spend with their patients.

“Some of the new technologies we use include EKG machines that automatically sync with our EMR and Holter monitors,” Rachel said. “They’re small and wireless, making them more desirable for patient wear.”

Rachel is also excited about the advancements in Care Everywhere, which ultimately allows more efficient communication between physicians and providers to ensure a patient receives the care they need when they need it.

Thank you, Rachel, for your dedication to your patients and their families and for your commitment to nursing. We’re lucky to have you! 💙

Happy Nurses Week!

05/07/2026

Ochsner Children’s Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Roy shares her gratitude for our nurses and encourages them to remember their why. 🩺

Happy Nurses Week! 💙

Do you have a favorite nurse? Tag them in the comments!

Are you a nurse? Share your “why” in the comments!