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St. Louis Children's Hospital, One Children’s Place, St. Louis, MO (2026)

10/15/2026

What are you doing this weekend? 👀

Show off those Halloween costumes and celebrate with us at our annual Trunk or Treat this Sunday, October 18! We'll be at Children's Specialty Care Center–South County from 2 to 4:30 p.m. celebrating with candy, a DJ, and a bubble bus. 🫧 We hope to see you there!

10/14/2026

Help sprinkle a little extra magic on a child’s day this Halloween! 🎃👻 With a gift of just $10, you can send a spooky-cute plush pal to a patient at St. Louis Children’s—bringing smiles, comfort, and a little Halloween cheer when they need it most.

While some kids may not be able to go trick-or-treating with their friends, dress up, or enjoy Halloween like they normally would, your gift can bring a bit of that boo-tiful magic right to their bedside. 🧡🕷️

Be the treat behind a child’s smile this Halloween. Give a little, spread some joy, and help make Halloween extra special. 🎃✨

StLouisChildrens.org/Halloween

10/12/2026

Congratulations to Collin, our latest DAISY Award winner, part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Collin was nominated by a patient's family for his ability to anticipate their needs, ensuring the patient and their caregivers felt supported and had the resources they needed throughout every step of their care.

From arranging activities and age-appropriate play opportunities to coordinating additional support services, Colin found ways to find normalcy and keep the patient engaged while giving the family moments to recharge.

Above all, the family nominated Collin for the genuine connection he built with their child. “He was so considerate with everything he did,” the nomination reads. “He truly made our stay at Children's so pleasant. We loved him!”

Thank you, Collin, for going above and beyond for our patients and their caregivers to make each day a little easier. ❤️

10/09/2026

Erika, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse at St. Louis Children's, has cared for preterm babies throughout her career.

But when she was diagnosed with preeclampsia at 27 weeks pregnant, she had to embrace life on the patient side of care. “As a first time, mom, you cannot prepare yourself for what it’s like to have to leave your baby in the NICU,” Erika said.

With the help of experts from both St. Louis Children's Hospital and WashU Medicine, baby Emerson was discharged and is now a thriving 2-year-old.

Read their full story: https://heyor.ca/G3iiDi

10/06/2026

It's Tuesday, but it's not just 𝘢𝘯𝘺 Tuesday—it's Tuesday Trims, supported by Great Clips! 💇✨

Tuesday Trims take place every second Tuesday of the month and provides patients, siblings, and caregivers complimentary haircuts and hair shampoos in The Child Life Zone Spa for a moment of relaxation and pampering.

Great Clips has proudly supported St. Louis Children’s Hospital for more than 20 years, and Tuesday Trims is another meaningful way they continue to care for and uplift our patient families. ❤️

10/03/2026

It's been two weeks since The Great Forest Park Balloon Race, but we're still celebrating our balloon rider and St. Louis Children's Hospital warrior, Corinne. 🎈

Now 18 years old, Corinne's cancer journey began in 9th grade when she felt unexplained pain in her shoulder and arm. Eventually she received a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma and underwent a round of chemotherapy during her freshman year of high school at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

After a few months of remission, an annual exam in 2024 showed that the cancer has returned and metastasized. After bravely undergoing a procedure and another round of chemo, Corinne is now in her junior year of college studying Chemical Engineering at Missouri S&T. Her career aspirations? To become a physician—likely in oncology—to support kids like her.

Thank you so much for representing St. Louis Children's this past weekend, Corinne! You make us proud every single day.

10/02/2026

Since the launch of St. Louis Children's at CoxHealth, we have been reaching new heights for our community. This morning, we marked one of the biggest: a topping out ceremony that placed the final beam on the Children's Specialty Care Center.

Before the beam went up, community partners and leaders gathered around it to sign their names. Those signatures will stay with the building for good, inside a 133,000-square-foot home for kids' care in the Ozarks.

Sarah Becker, VP and Administrator of St. Louis Children's at CoxHealth, told the crowd the day was about "something bigger than the placement of a steel beam."

"We're creating a destination where families can access expert pediatric care in their own community," she said.

For WashU Medicine's Dr. Matthew Alder, Pediatrician-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer for St. Louis Children’s at CoxHealth, the reason behind it all is simple: "This is what doing what's right for kids looks like."

Support reached across our community, as well. City of Springfield, MO Mayor Jeff Schrag called the project a significant commitment by CoxHealth and St. Louis Children's Hospital to the future of southwest Missouri.

Dr. Matthew Stinson, President and CEO of Jordan Valley Health, shared what it means for local families: "This investment means that the future of pediatric health care in the Ozarks is brighter than ever."

Then the crane lifted, and the final beam rose into place. 🏗️

When the Children’s Specialty Care Center opens in 2027, families won't have to travel far for world-class pediatric care. It will be right here at home. 💙

10/01/2026

🎃 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭!🎃

Join us Sunday, October 18 from 2-4:30 p.m. at Children's Specialty Care Center–South County for:

🍬A DJ and bubble bus
🍬A safe celebration
🍬(Nut free) candy, of course!

No RSVP needed. We'll see you there!

09/30/2026

Certified Child Life Specialist, Lindy, and her partner-in-care, Duo Dog Casey, support children and families not only through the medical aspects of their experience, but through the emotional and developmental challenges that come with being a child in the hospital.

"Duo Dog Casey and I are most inspired by the courage of our patients and families. We're passionate about creating moments of normalcy, control, and connection for kids who are going through something that is anything but normal, and helping the whole family feel heard and empowered," says Lindy.

Casey can provide comfort when a child is scared, motivation when they don't want to get out of bed, and a reason to smile on a day when everything feels difficult. He also gives them an opportunity to focus on something completely unrelated to treatment by petting him, talking to him, playing with him, or just sitting in silence together.

"For a few minutes, they get to just be kids with their buddy Casey," says Lindy. "He really makes the most impact when he becomes part of their hospital routine—whether that is meeting them in the waiting room and getting his height and weight first, sitting in the chair with them during a poke, or knowing they get to take him for a walk as soon as the hard part of their day is done. They know that when he walks through the door, he is there specifically to see them."

Thank you, Lindy and Duo Dog Casey, for being a trusted source of comfort for our kids. ❤️🐶

09/29/2026

"There is so much more to each of these kids than the word 'cancer.' They are funny, adventurous, silly, determined, kind, and incredibly resilient."

Like others at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital, nurse practitioner Katie is "continually inspired by how hard these kids fight. Even on their hardest days, they find a way to keep putting one foot in front of the other, and their strength and resilience are incredible to witness."

Katie knows that families going through a childhood cancer diagnosis are going through something incredibly hard. She prioritizes being an advocate for caregivers as well as their kids. "I want them to feel heard, supported, and included in every decision and plan. I want them to feel like part of the team, because they know their child better than anyone."

Katie also embodies what it means to do what's right for kids by supporting each patient as the unique individual that they are.

Thank you, Katie, for celebrating and caring for each patient as the unique person they are. ❤️

08/19/2026

We're excited to welcome Hunter Mitchell, MD, a BJC Medical Group neurologist, to the MS Center for Innovations in Care.

Growing up, Dr. Mitchell was inspired by the example her parents set as health care professionals and the difference they made in the lives of others. She knew she wanted to follow a similar path.

During medical school, Dr. Mitchell became familiar with patients and families affected by neuroimmunologic conditions, an area of medicine she had not previously encountered. Seeing the need for specialized care, education, and support sparked her desire to help patients manage complex neurological disorders.

Dr. Mitchell believes patients are better equipped to navigate their condition when they understand what's happening in their bodies and how their choices can affect their health. She enjoys helping patients make sense of complex diagnoses, treatment options, and lifestyle changes so they can feel more confident managing their care.

She also values the long-term relationships she builds with patients and their caregiver support systems. Some of her proudest moments come from watching family members and friends gain confidence in helping a loved one navigate a diagnosis.

"The emotional and mental burden on caregivers can be overwhelming," she says. "It brings me joy when I see friends and family growing in their roles, big or small."

As a neurologist specializing in neuroimmunology, Dr. Mitchell cares for adults with conditions including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), MOG antibody disease, neurosarcoidosis, autoimmune encephalitis and meningitis, myelopathy, optic neuritis, and paraneoplastic syndromes. She is committed to helping patients and families feel supported as they navigate life with complex neurological conditions.

Outside of work, Dr. Mitchell enjoys any activity that keeps her moving, whether it's dancing, yoga, ceramics, or karaoke. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she is excited to be part of the St. Louis community.

Learn more about Dr. Mitchell and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/NLrz8G

08/14/2026

We're excited to welcome Anna Ahrens, ANP, to BJC Medical Group Cardiology at Sunset Hills.

Anna was inspired to become a nurse through experiences watching family members navigate Type 1 diabetes, and later, heart disease. She saw how chronic illness can affect both patients and their loved ones and wanted to help support families through those challenges.

After moving to St. Louis, Anna began her career in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where caring for heart patients strengthened her interest in cardiology.

"A new cardiac diagnosis can bring a lot of uncertainty. I want patients and their families to feel educated about what's happening inside their bodies, comfortable with their treatment, and confident in the decisions they make moving forward," she says.

Developing strong bonds with patients and making a difference in their health journeys are among the most rewarding parts of Anna's work. She values the trust patients place in her and enjoys being part of their recovery and long-term health.

In her practice, she cares for adults with a variety of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and high blood pressure. She also performs cardiovascular stress testing and provides postoperative follow-up care.

Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and their goldendoodle. She loves attending youth sporting events, cheering on Mizzou and Clemson, exercising, skiing, reading, and enjoying a game of Mahjong with friends.

Learn more about Anna and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/FFF8EI

08/13/2026

👀 Look who made the cover!

Congratulations to Christi Menges, MD, of BJC Medical Group Women's Health Care at Chesterfield, on being featured on the cover of St. Louis Magazine's 2026 Top Doctors issue.

Reflecting on what drew her to obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Menges shared: "I had never felt so strongly that I was part of something bigger than myself."

We're proud to see Dr. Menges included among the region's outstanding physicians and grateful for the compassionate care she provides every day.

Join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition! Learn more: https://heyor.ca/VUtpSc

08/06/2026

We're excited to welcome Taylor Sachtleben, PA, a board-certified physician assistant, to BJC Medical Group Women's Health Care–Suite 360, located on the Missouri Baptist Medical Center campus.

Taylor was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by her small-town family doctor, whom she remembers as approachable, caring, passionate, and eager to help everyone. He cared for patients wherever they needed him—from the clinic and hospital to nursing homes and house calls—and showed her what it meant to be deeply committed to patients.

Years later, during an OB-GYN rotation at a small Illinois hospital, Taylor worked alongside a physician who loved teaching and encouraged her to take on new challenges. From learning new procedures to assisting in surgeries and delivering babies, the experience sparked her passion for women's health.

Taylor considers it a privilege to care for women through every stage of life. “I enjoy meeting my patients, making a connection with them, and getting to know them personally so I can provide them the best possible care,” she says. Making a difference in her patients' lives and seeing their health improve over time is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

In her practice, Taylor helps women ages 13 and older take control of their health, whether they're coming in for preventive care, family planning, gynecologic concerns, or support through perimenopause and postmenopause.

Outside of the clinic, Taylor spends time with her husband, family, friends, and pets. She loves traveling and hiking, and she and her husband are working toward visiting every national park in the United States. She also enjoys staying active and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Learn more about Taylor and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/mLZ9nG

07/27/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Dr. Ahmad Karadaghy, a BJC Medical Group gastroenterologist and Medical Director of Alton Memorial Hospital’s Digestive Health Program, for receiving the 2025 Chairman’s Award. His decades of leadership and commitment to advancing digestive health care continue to make a difference for our patients and community.

07/21/2026

We're proud to welcome Kristina Anderson, MD, to BJC Medical Group Family Medicine at Missouri Baptist Medical Center–Suite 226A.

According to her mom, Dr. Anderson's interest in medicine may have started with the movie E.T. As the story goes, she was so upset that E.T. was sick that she wanted to be one of the doctors who could help him get better. As she got older, that desire to help others grew into a love of science, community service, and caring for people.

Family medicine proved to be the perfect fit. Dr. Anderson enjoys helping patients find answers, whether they're dealing with a new concern, managing a chronic condition, or trying to stay healthy for the future. She believes everyone deserves to be cared for by a trusted medical professional who can help them navigate health concerns and make informed decisions about their care.

One of the things Dr. Anderson enjoys most about family medicine is caring for multiple generations of the same family. She considers it an honor to earn that kind of trust and to celebrate patients' successes alongside them.

As a board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Anderson cares for patients of all ages, from infants and children to adults and seniors. She provides preventive care, well-woman exams, immunizations, and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, colds, flu, and women’s health concerns. She also performs in-office procedures such as minor skin procedures, joint injections, and contraception placement.

Outside of work, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with her family, watching funny cat videos with her son, cheering on the St. Louis Blues, and exploring everything the area has to offer—from the zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden to local restaurants, museums, and performances. She also enjoys growing houseplants, collecting and tumbling rocks and minerals, crafting, thrifting, and listening to audiobooks.

Learn more about Dr. Anderson and schedule your appointment online: https://heyor.ca/ejhs9E

07/17/2026

One moment, Charlotte was having dinner with her husband. The next, she couldn’t speak. She felt no pain—just a sudden sense that something wasn’t right.

Joe had seen Charlotte experience transient ischemic attacks before—but this time, he knew something far more serious was happening.

“It felt different,” he says. “I knew we needed to move fast.”

That decision made all the difference.

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center, the Emergency Department team was ready—connecting with a WashU Medicine neurologist through BJC HealthCare’s 24/7 telestroke network. The team quickly confirmed the diagnosis: an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot.

When it comes to stroke, time is brain—and Charlotte didn’t have time to lose. She received tenecteplase, a newer clot-busting medication, which restored blood flow and gave her the best chance at recovery.

Today, Charlotte is moving forward with confidence—supported by her care team, including BJC Medical Group neurologist Michael Butler, MD, and a community of fellow survivors through Missouri Baptist’s stroke support group.

“It gives me strength knowing I’m not alone,” she says.

Read Charlotte’s story to see how fast action and coordinated stroke care helped save her life: https://heyor.ca/RUHJy4

07/16/2026

We're excited to welcome Courtney McFarlin, PA, to BJC Medical Group Gastroenterology at Edwardsville.

Joining her father on medical mission trips through the Belize Mission Project inspired Courtney to pursue a career in medicine. As she traveled with doctors and other providers delivering free medical, dental, and audiology services in communities throughout Belize, she saw firsthand the difference health care can make in people's lives.

Those experiences taught Courtney the value of meeting people where they are and helping them navigate their health concerns. Today, she brings that same commitment to patients in her own community. “Providing medical care and dedication to others’ health in my own community is an honor,” she says.

Courtney believes every patient deserves the time and attention needed to feel heard and understood. Because many gastrointestinal concerns can be difficult to discuss, she focuses on creating an environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their symptoms and concerns. She enjoys working alongside patients to find answers, provide reassurance, and help them move forward with confidence.

As a certified physician assistant specializing in gastroenterology, Courtney cares for adults with a wide range of digestive health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis, ulcers, celiac disease, food allergies, and liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic disorders. She also manages colorectal cancer screenings and endoscopies.

Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband, their three children, and their pets—two dogs and four cats—all named after Star Wars characters. When she's not cheering from the sidelines at her children's sporting events, she enjoys photography, traveling, exploring local restaurants, and staying active at the gym.

Learn more about Courtney and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/9Tw2JX

07/14/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐉𝐂 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞, a free newsletter where our providers share insights on trending health topics, debunk medical myths, and offer simple ways to improve your wellness.

📧 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐱: https://heyor.ca/jM9PLf

07/10/2026

We're excited to welcome Katie Upton, FNP, to the Arrhythmia Center on the campus of Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

Katie was inspired to follow her mother into nursing after seeing the difference she made in people's lives. Later, an opportunity to shadow ICU nurses confirmed that health care was the right path for her. She wanted a career where she could be of service to others.

She was drawn to cardiology after witnessing a loved one navigate multiple heart conditions and procedures. “Wanting to better understand her diagnoses and treatment sparked an interest that eventually became a specialty,” Katie says.

Today, Katie focuses on helping patients understand their conditions and the options available to treat them. She takes time to explain complex diagnoses, answer questions, and help patients feel confident in the decisions they make about their care. After nine years as a medical and cardiovascular ICU nurse, she values the opportunity to build lasting relationships and enjoys seeing patients get back to the activities they love.

As a family nurse practitioner specializing in cardiovascular electrophysiology, Katie cares for adults with conditions affecting the heart's electrical system, including arrhythmias, tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation. She also provides follow-up care for pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), as well as management of medications.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys staying active through running, swimming, hiking, and snowboarding. She also enjoys exploring St. Louis, attending concerts and festivals, cheering on the Blues, and spending time with her rescue animals.

Learn more about Katie and call to schedule your appointment: https://heyor.ca/suyAbs

St. Louis Children's Hospital