WakeMed Children's

06/05/2026

WakeMed staff gathered to in recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month and to support firearm injury prevention. 🧡

Staff pictured:
⭐ Trauma Services (MDs, APPs, Trauma PI Team and Administration)
⭐ Social Work/Case Management (STICU)
⭐ Emergency Department
⭐ Violence Recovery Program

Together, we’re raising awareness and promoting conversations about safe firearm storage and injury prevention.


Image Description: WakeMed staff gather outdoors wearing orange and holding awareness signs to recognize Gun Violence Awareness Month and promote firearm injury prevention.

06/05/2026

Today is National Gun Violence Awareness Day 🧡

At WakeMed’s Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh — one of the busiest trauma centers in North Carolina — our teams see firsthand the devastating impact gun violence has on patients, families, and communities.

Dr. Ashley Hink, WakeMed Trauma Surgeon, shares important reminders for safe firearm storage at home: keep guns locked, unloaded, and stored separately from ammunition. These simple but critical steps can help prevent tragedy and protect children, teens, and loved ones.


Video Description: Dr. Ashley Hink discusses safe firearm storage and ways families can prevent accidental injuries at home.

06/04/2026

Jim's heart was failing — fast.
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Too weak to even walk, he wasn’t a candidate for a life-saving transplant. But Jim wasn’t giving up… and neither was WakeMed Cardiac Rehab. They had one goal for him: get strong enough for a new heart.
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On January 24 — his 49th wedding anniversary — Jim received the ultimate gift: a new heart.
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Just days later, on February 3, he celebrated his birthday the best way possible — back at home in North Carolina with a healthy heart.


Image Description: WakeMed Cardiac Rehab therapist guiding a man in a red shirt on a treadmill during rehab exercises.

"On the evening of November 22, 2022, I went to bed early because I felt like I was catching the flu. All of a sudden, as I lie there, it was as if a mule sat down on my chest. I began having labored breathing, started sweating and felt I would vomit. I put my CPAP mask on to breathe in fresh air. I...

06/04/2026

🎙️ WakeMed Perspectives continues — a limited podcast series featuring different perspectives on the proposed WakeMed and Atrium Health strategic combination.

In this episode, Dr. Thad McDonald, retired OBGYN and Chair of the WakeMed Board of Directors, explains what the strategic combination with Atrium Health means for patients and the community. He discusses how the partnership will speed development of local cancer services, preserve safety net care, and improve access to specialty services.


Video Description: Podcast interview with Dr. Thad McDonald discussing WakeMed's future, its mission of serving the community and the proposed strategic combination with Atrium Health.

06/03/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Maddy Applegate! 🎉

Our newest Wake Orthopaedics Scholar Athlete – Trinity Academy Class of 2026 🎓

A standout in the classroom and in competition, Maddy is a two-sport athlete in cross country and soccer, a team captain, and Trinity Academy’s 2026 Valedictorian. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall as part of the Honors and Accelerated Research Program, where she plans to study Neuroscience.

Known for her leadership, humility and determination, Maddy exemplifies what it means to be a scholar athlete. We’re proud to celebrate her achievements and wish her continued success!


Image Description: Three people standing on stage holding a large check for $500 made out to Maddy Applegate from Wake Orthopaedics dated May 24, 2026.

06/02/2026

Carolina Hurricanes 🤝 WakeMed team spirit.

Twinkle joined staff across WakeMed as everyone geared up to cheer on the Carolina Hurricanes heading into Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final! ❤️🏒 Let's go Canes!


Video Description: Twinkle visits WakeMed staff holding Carolina Hurricanes signs and rally towels as they show support ahead of the Stanley Cup Final.

06/02/2026

⚾💚 A great night for WakeMed mental health conversations at the ballpark!

WakeMed employees and their families joined the Zebulon Devil Dogz to help spark important conversations around mental health and remind our community that support starts with a simple check-in. Through , we're working to shine a light on mental health, encourage open dialogue, and help end the stigma that prevents people from seeking help.

Every conversation matters. Every connection counts. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared their stories and helped make mental health awareness part of the game. 💬✨

Ready to be part of the conversation? Join and learn how you can help support mental health in our community through the link in the comments. 💚


Image Descriptions: WakeMed employees and their families pose together at a Zebulon Devil Dogz baseball game while supporting mental health awareness and promoting community conversations through the WakeMed Conversations initiative.

06/01/2026

Hurricane season is here in North Carolina – are you prepared? 🌪️

One of the most important ways to stay ready is stocking up on healthy, non-perishable foods for your emergency kit. Think canned goods, protein bars, peanuts, dried fruits and plenty of bottled water — items that keep you fueled and safe when power is out or access is limited.

A little planning now can help you stay nourished and resilient during severe weather.


Video Description: Nutritionist shops in grocery store, placing canned goods, protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, and other items into cart for hurricane preparedness. Title: Healthy options for food storage prep.

05/31/2026

Congratulations to the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cary Class of 2026! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate two WakeMed team members, Anna Liese Call from the WakeMed Foundation and Tonia Deaton from WakeMed Surgery Center – Cary, on their graduation from this year’s Leadership Cary program. 👏

Joined here by Dr. Doug Trociniski, chief medical officer at WakeMed Cary Hospital, the celebration recognized their commitment to leadership, collaboration and serving our community. 💙

Congratulations to all of the Leadership Cary graduates on this outstanding accomplishment!


Image Description: Three professionals standing indoors at an event, two holding glass awards, dressed in business casual attire.