2026 In The Loop - Winter Edition

Winter 2026

A Message From Jim Digan

Whole Child Health at Nemours Children’s

Nemours Children’s

Whole Child Health model considers both a child’s medical needs and the social and community issues that impact their health. It integrates our excellent primary, specialty, and hospital care with health initiatives that affect all children, including many from historically underserved communities.

At Nemours Children’s, we’re committed to fulfilling 100% of children’s health needs. This includes delivering expert medical care while working with community partners to address the underlying factors that influence health, such as nutrition and food security, literacy, housing, education, and mental health.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As I reflect on 2025, I am inspired by your unwavering commitment to children’s well-being and the numerous ways you helped to transform lives. Your support expanded access to life-changing care, advanced groundbreaking pediatric research, and brought comfort and joy to children and families in their most challenging moments.

In this edition of In the Loop, you will discover more about how your partnership with Nemours Children’s Health continues to heal children in body, mind, and spirit. You will read about some of the extraordinary specialty care we provide that improves health in our local communities and draws families from around the world. In addition, you will get a glimpse into one of our many programs that takes care outside of our clinic walls and into the places where children live, learn, and play.

I am also thrilled to share that this year, the Emergency Department (ED) at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware once again achieved national recognition with its third consecutive Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association. Our Central Florida hospital also holds the Lantern Award and is a three-time recipient of the honor, which is bestowed on select EDs in recognition of exceptional leadership, innovation, and excellence in patient care.

These accolades are a powerful testament to the outstanding skill, compassion, and dedication our emergency teams bring to each and every child who comes to us for care.

Your support is essential. We would not reach as many children and their families as we do without you. Together, we are working to create the healthiest generations of children. Thank you for your steadfast dedication to the children and families we serve. I wish you and your loved ones a joyous and healthy 2026.

With gratitude,

James P. Digan President, Nemours Children’s Health Alliance

Healing, Hope, and Home Runs

“We will always be a part of the neurology and plastics family at Nemours Children’s” says Courtney.

Eight years ago, when Lex was a baby, his pediatrician found that his head was misshapen. Soon after, Lex was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, which occurs when a child’s skull can’t grow properly because one or more seams between the bones close too early. His doctor immediately referred Lex’s family to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida.

Further testing revealed that in addition to craniosynostosis, Lex also had increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, a smaller-than-normal pituitary gland, and other issues, including severe headaches and nausea.

“The diagnoses felt overwhelming, but we found expertise and support in his care team,” says Lex’s mother, Courtney.

Lex and his family are grateful for the consistent support and care he receives at Nemours Children’s.

Courtney acknowledged the contributions of neurosurgeon Gregory Olavarria, MD, and plastic surgeon Brian C. Kellogg, MD, both of whom have played a key role in Lex’s progress. Over the years, despite numerous surgeries and treatments, Lex’s condition continued to worsen.

Courtney says, “He began experiencing more frequent and severe headaches, along with nausea, vomiting, and an unsteady gait.”

Yet, throughout everything, Lex has shown remarkable resilience. His recent cranial reconstruction surgery showcases his strength and the excellent care he received at Nemours Children’s.

“Just three weeks after surgery, Lex was cleared to play baseball,” says Courtney. “It’s been incredible to see how fast he’s recovered.”

Lex continues to see his medical team for regular follow-up visits and treatment. The goal is to keep him healthy and active. Lex’s family trusts that we will continue to provide the best care for him as he grows and his medical needs change.

Gets Chloe to College TEAMWORK

“Each member of my team is very specialized in what they do, and they make me feel comfortable because they really care,” says Chloe.

With expert care from Nemours Children’s, Chloe is thriving and embracing college life with confidence and hope.

Like most 18-year-olds, Chloe is preparing for her next chapter. But, unlike most of her peers, she is managing a rare condition that she was born with — skeletal dysplasia — thanks to support from her comprehensive care team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Skeletal dysplasias are a group of bone and cartilage disorders that can affect the growth, shape, and size of the skeleton.

Before her birth, an ultrasound indicated that Chloe had a form of dwarfism. These early signs prompted closer monitoring and additional testing after she was born.

When Chloe was around 18 months old, genetic testing confirmed that she had spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED), a condition that affects both the spine and the ends of long bones. People with SED often experience musculoskeletal issues that affect the neck, spine, lower limbs, feet, and joints. At about the same time, the family learned about Nemours Children’s expertise in SED.

A multidisciplinary team that thoroughly understands the unique challenges associated with SED has treated Chloe over the years. They’ve included Stuart Mackenzie, MD; Ricki S. Carroll, MD; Colleen Ditro, DNP, NP; Sarah Mackenzie Little, PA; Karen Turner, DPT; and Angela Duker, MS, CGC.

Today, Chloe is focused on her future and enjoying college. With continued support from her family and care team, she is building a life centered on long-term health.

$100,000 Gift Brings Care Where It Is

Needed

Most

Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida is celebrating a generous $100,000 gift from The Grand Chapter of Florida, Order of the Eastern Star, that will allow us to bring vital pediatric care directly to children in their communities.

Their donation will fund a new van for Nemours Children’s mobile clinic program, led by Laura Chilcutt, MD, FAAP, medical director of medical-social impact. The organization also contributed $20,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida to help our families stay close to their children during treatment.

The Nemours Children’s mobile clinic, launched in 2021, travels to community centers, consulates, and nonprofit organizations across Central Florida.

It offers free services like vaccinations, well-child visits, vision and hearing screenings, EKGs, and emotional health assessments. For many children, particularly those who were not born in the United States, it’s their first experience with our healthcare system.

But the clinic does more than provide medical care. It also builds relationships. “One of my goals is to talk with families and learn what they need most,” says Dr. Chilcutt. “We want to respond to what matters to them.”

The Grand Chapter of Florida, Order of the Eastern Star is a statewide branch of the world’s largest fraternal organization. It is open to both women and men, united by shared spiritual values and a commitment to service. In addition to fostering strong bonds of fellowship, the Florida Order supports a range of philanthropic initiatives.

In August, Worthy Grand Matron Sandy LeDuc and a group of officers from the Grand Chapter of Florida, Order of the Eastern Star, visited Nemours Children’s Hospital and the Ronald

McDonald House. Their visit allowed them to see firsthand how philanthropic support is making a real difference in children’s lives.

This life-changing gift serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful progress starts with community support. Every gift helps Nemours Children’s go well beyond medicine, meeting families where they are. Thanks to the generosity of The Florida Order of the Eastern Star, the mobile clinic is growing, and so is its impact.

Together, we’re creating a healthier future for Central Florida’s children — one visit, one family, one mile at a time.

THE DISCOVERY WALL

Philanthropy Creates a Sense of Wonder for Patients and Visitors

Visiting a hospital, especially with a sick child, can be an overwhelming experience. But visitors to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware don’t just enter a hospital lobby; they are embraced by a wall of wonder that makes children and adults light up, smile, and play.

Between appointments, patient

The “Wings of Legacy” Discovery Wall, made possible by a generous gift from Rocco and Mary Abessinio, combines creativity, teamwork, and learning through interactive play.

The wall is a collection of state-of-the-art, expansive screens that create a dynamic spectacle visible from every corner of the atrium. Players can create an avatar — a beautiful, graceful bird. The birds explore the magnificent Nemours Estate and Grounds in the daytime and the evening. Rhythmic movements and pixelated flights echo through our atrium lobby, offering a captivating and calming visual experience for patients, their caregivers, and staff.

As these artistic expressions bring comfort and inspiration to those who walk through our doors, they also reflect the generosity and vision of individuals like Rocco and Mary Abessinio — for whom philanthropy is not just a passion, but an enduring commitment to helping children and families in the community they have long called home.

“We are pleased to support Nemours Children’s,” says Rocco. “It’s exciting to know that — thanks to donors — even the most vulnerable children can access world-class care.”

On behalf of the patients in our care and countless children who will enjoy the Wings of Legacy wall, we thank the Abessinios for their continued generosity.

NEMOURS CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY NURSES

Lighting the Pathway to the Finest Care

When you work at a place like Nemours Children’s, you quickly recognize that our remarkable caregivers set us apart. As far as we’re concerned, our colleagues are the best at what they do.

And no one is better at pediatric nursing than our nurses at Nemours Children’s.

We’re not the only ones who think so. Recently, the Emergency Nurses Association, the most respected professional organization in the field, awarded its highest honor, the prestigious Lantern Award, to our Emergency Department (ED) nurses in Delaware and Florida.

“This designation marks the third time our Delaware hospital has received the Lantern Award, reinforcing our leadership, dedication to practice, education, advocacy, and a healthy work environment,” said David Hancox, senior vice president and chief nursing and patient operations officer for Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware Valley. “We’re also recognized for our ability to incorporate evidencebased practices into emergency care.”

Last year, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida received its third Lantern Award, making this a shared achievement across our health system.

“When entering an emergency department, patients and their families seek quick access, meaningful interactions with their healthcare team, and a coordinated plan of care,” said Nicole Johnson, senior vice president and chief nursing and patient operations officer for Nemours Children’s Health, Central Florida. “The Lantern Award serves as a visible symbol that excellence is embodied, and exceptional care is provided in our emergency departments.”

Nemours Children’s, Delaware is one of the few pediatric hospitals in the country to hold three major emergency care distinctions: verified Level 1 pediatric trauma center status from the American College of Surgeons, Level 1 pediatric designation from Emergency Medical Services for Children, and the Lantern Award. This triple recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to providing top-quality care. Additionally, our ED in Delaware features stateof-the-art private spaces specifically designed for children experiencing mental health crises.

“Nemours Children’s, Delaware also attained the prestigious Magnet recognition for the third time from the American Nurses Credentialing Center‘s Magnet Recognition Program. The Magnet credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice and has been achieved by only 9% of America’s 6,000 hospitals. We are further distinguished as one of only 265 hospitals, or 4%, that have achieved Magnet status three or more times.

These achievements are not just badges of honor — they reflect our daily commitment to our patients, to Whole Child Health, and a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

THE HEART OF GIVING

The Power of Associate Support

Karen Hernandez’s connection to Nemours Children’s runs deep — both professionally and personally. She is a Nemours Children’s parent, associate, and donor — a powerful trifecta. In 2012, her four-year-old son was diagnosed with pervasive autism, and the care and therapy they received at Nemours Children’s left a lasting impact.

Karen was hired in January 2015. Since then, she has advanced from a PRN nurse who worked on an as-needed basis to her current role as the patient access manager for specialty clinics, leading a team of more than 50 associates.

When Karen discovered she could give back to Nemours Children’s through the Associate Giving Program, she knew it was the perfect way to “pay forward” her gratitude and help other children and families who need our care. She directs her donations to the therapy department that took such good care of her family. She also volunteers, often with her now-thriving 17-year-old son.

Across Nemours Children’s, many associates give back. As Kevin Neal, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Jacksonville, shared, “Giving back allows me to support our mission beyond clinical care and is another way I can help children grow up as healthy as possible.”

In Delaware, Mary Newman, director of nursing, says, “Even a small gift can help improve the lives of the patients and families we care for. It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’re part of something bigger.”

When associates give, it sends an unmistakable message: those closest to the mission believe in it deeply. It’s a visible sign of unity, purpose, and shared belief in the future we’re building together.

Corporate Champions for Children’s Health

Corporate partnerships are vital to advancing Nemours Children’s Health’s commitment to creating the healthiest generations of children. These collaborations bring joy and healing to our patients and families. They also create meaningful opportunities for employees, families, and community partners to engage in volunteer work and fundraising — all in support of their shared commitment to service.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is a long-standing ally that supports our Child Life programs in countless ways. From funding prom celebrations to energizing Iced Coffee Day campaigns, their commitment helps create moments of joy for children facing medical challenges. This year, they supported our gaming and technology initiatives. Over the past seven years, Dunkin’ has contributed more than $680,000 to Nemours Children’s.

Concordville Nissan Subaru has been instrumental in launching a new oral immunotherapy pilot program — an initiative that will help children with severe allergies access life-changing treatment. Their total giving now exceeds $610,000 over two decades.

NRG Energy focuses its giving on behavioral health to help us expand services that support the emotional well-being of our patients. Their outright contributions to Child Life and event sponsorships reflect a deep understanding of the holistic needs of children in care. NRG has donated more than $600,000 over the past nine years.

Concord Pet Foods & Supplies champions our animalassisted therapy program, which brings comfort and companionship to children through therapy sessions with trained animals. Their support over four years totals $170,000, with a generous new pledge currently in progress.

We’re also grateful for partners like Incyte, whose $230,000 in lifetime giving has supported cancer-related initiatives and gaming technology.

Child’s Play supports our hospital’s gaming program in Wilmington, Delaware and Orlando.

Growing partnerships with Jake’s Tree Service, Bethany Blues, and Brew HaHa include innovative point-of-sale promotions and event sponsorships to support those who need our care.

Each partnership makes a very meaningful difference to our patients and their families.

A Message From Clint Travis AVP, Strategic Giving and Campaign Stewardship

Are You a Strategic Giver?

Think Big. Start Small. Act Now!

Perhaps you are just starting to donate to your favorite causes, or perhaps you’ve already included Nemours Children’s in your estate plans — no matter where you are on your giving journey, with a little planning, you can become a savvy and strategic giver.

George and Lisa Schott, long-time Nemours Children’s supporters and donors, grew their giving over time. “We’ve been involved in philanthropy for over 30 years, starting on a very small scale,” says George. “Initially, we volunteered our time and gave what we could, and that commitment has grown over the years.”

There are as many reasons to donate as there are people and causes. You may choose to support many organizations or focus your giving on just one or two. You can start with small donations and grow them as you can. As Lisa Schott says, “There are different avenues you can explore, each with its own benefits.”

Over time, as your giving grows, you may want more information on strategic giving, tax breaks, and estate planning tools. Nemours Children’s is here to help. Stay tuned for the launch of our strategic giving toolkit and website, coming soon!

To learn more about giving that fits your philanthropy strategy, please get in touch with me at clinton.travis@nemours.org or call 614.743.4903. Thank you!