Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

To celebrate #DonateLifeMonth, patients from our teen transplant program made a splash at the Georgia Aquarium! From touring the exhibits to swimming alongside whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and more, the kids were able to celebrate all they can do with the gift of new life. Check out their fin-tastic underwater adventure!

Children's is proud to have our specialists from our Comprehensive Limb Difference Program presenting at this year's Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics conference. Learn more at https://bit.ly/431Oyba. #ACPOC2024

This #EarthDay, our North Druid Hills campus is blooming into a green oasis within the city that will help filter stormwater, reduce the urban heat island and increase biodiversity. Upon opening Arthur M. Blank Hospital on September 29, our campus will feature more than 20 acres of green space, including 1,200 new trees and shrubs native to Georgia—which will require 50% less water—plus 3 miles of walking space. Arthur M. Blank Hospital was planned with special attention given to conservation and sustainability, including diverting 85% of the construction waste stream from landfills and incorporating low-emitting materials.

It’s an experience that has a profound effect on anyone in earshot or sight distance: When a Children's Healthcare of Atlanta helicopter flies overhead or a Children's ambulance zooms past you, you know a child is in need of life-saving care and every second counts. When granted special clearance, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport stops all takeoffs and landings so our Children's helicopter can fly directly over the airport during significant emergencies. Our final podcast episode of the season features eye-opening insight from Rana Roberts, Director of Trauma and Transport, Julie Espinosa, a Ground Transport Nurse; and Krystal Harper, a Trauma Nurse. Together, they share fascinating insight into how they and their colleagues stand ready to care for kids every day of the year. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/ePSNxe4G.

It’s Service Awards Week—a special week where Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta recognizes nearly 1,500 employees and physicians who are celebrating a milestone service anniversary, five to 45 years of service. No matter the milestone, these dedicated employees are incredible examples of what it means to do everything possible to make anything possible for kids. Interested in working at Children's? Apply today at https://bit.ly/3U6SKnf. #ServiceAwardsWeek #hiring

We are excited to be attending the 2024 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting, where our physicians will be sharing their leading-edge pediatric research, highlighting the clinical and academic strengths of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Learn more at www.choa.org/pas. #PASMeeting #PAS2024

In honor of #NationalDonateLifeMonth, our staff joined together for a moment of quiet reflection to thank our organ donor families and to celebrate those who have received a lifesaving transplant with a special flag-raising ceremony. As a transplant center, Children’s has had 1,904 total transplants to date.

Leah and her dad, Jordan, share a bond like no other: They were both diagnosed with the same heart condition at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. As a child, Jordan was diagnosed with CPVT—a cardiac condition that causes an abnormal heart rhythm—and was referred to Dr. Peter Fischbach, one of our pediatric cardiologists. Dr. Fischbach successfully implanted a pacemaker to prevent his heart from beating too slowly. Fast forward 12 years later, Jordan had his daughter, Leah. Knowing that CPVT is genetic, he had her tested as a baby. Leah was also diagnosed with CPVT and was referred to our same doctor, Dr. Fischbach—a true full circle moment. As Leah awaits her pacemaker until she is a bit older, she is showing everyone how strong she is, just like her dad.

At just 3 months old, Virginia was diagnosed with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)—a rare white blood cell disease. The only cure for this disease is a bone marrow transplant, and luckily, her sister was the perfect match. Virginia successfully had her transplant at our Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in July 2023. During her 6-week hospital stay, she formed a special bond with Hannah, an Artist in Residence at Children’s. Hannah helped immerse Virginia in art, which served as a distraction during a challenging recovery. Not only did Virginia find healing, but also a way to give back. She raised $80,000 for our Artists in Residence Program through her Clicks for Kids fundraiser. Recently, the friends had the chance to reunite and make crafts together once again!

As part of a joint initiative between Children’s and Mercer University School of Medicine to advance pediatric healthcare in rural Georgia, the second group of Rural Pediatric Scholarship Program recipients for the 2024 academic year were announced. This year, Children’s scholarships also are available for marriage and family therapy students who are committed to living and working in rural Georgia and providing mental health services to rural children. “These scholars are filling a critical need in our rural communities,” said Dr. Jim Fortenberry, our Chief Medical Officer. “The pediatric expertise they develop through their training will have a tremendous impact on the areas where they serve, and we are grateful for their commitment to the kids and families of Georgia.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e56inSub.