For the Kids, UF Health Shands Children's Hospital eNewsletter

October 2016

NICU nearing completion

Phase one of the Neonatal ICU expansion at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is nearing completion, with intensive care patients moving into the new space in November. In the renovated NICU, our tiniest, most vulnerable patients will receive care in four areas known as “neighborhoods."

The neighborhoods will be housed in one contiguous space and named Ladybug, Dragonfly, Bumblebee and Hummingbird. While neonatal intermediate care and intensive care babies will generally be separated by neighborhood, each space is designed to meet the needs of all NICU patients — regardless of their level of care.

Ambassador Highlight: Meet Elyse

At first, Elyse Hancock’s pediatrician thought she had a virus that would need to run its course. When the 2-year-old didn’t get better, her pediatrician ordered routine blood work that showed that she was severely anemic. Elyse was rushed to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital by ambulance to have a battery of tests performed.

Test results revealed that Elyse had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer that starts in premature white blood cells in the bone marrow and quickly invades the blood.

There are 10 more Saturdays until Christmas

With Halloween in a few weeks and Thanksgiving coming up quickly, the holidays are seemingly around the corner sooner than ever. We’re ushering in the season with the third annual Festival of Trees!

This event, consisting of a weekend-long silent auction of decorated trees and wreaths, strives to bring the Gainesville community together to kick off the holiday season and support the healthcare needs of our local kids.

Community members and businesses have the opportunity to support this event by becoming an event sponsor, donating a decorated tree or wreath or attending the event to purchase a tree to take home. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

What: Festival of Trees 2016

When: December 1-3

Where: Tioga Town Center (just west of Gainesville)

More details: giving.UFHealth.org/trees

View more photos from last year’s Festival of Trees.

Perfect partnership

As one of the leading children’s hospitals in the nation, we’re proud to partner with local and national companies to help kids live better. Thank you to Love’s Travel Stops, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Sam’s Club and IHOP for a fantastic fall campaign! These companies have supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for decades and are committed to truly impacting pediatric health care.

Check out more photos from our partner locations!

Events and Campaigns Calendar

Now through Oct. 31

Great Clips Miracle Balloon Icon Campaign | Visit a participating Great Clips location to purchase a $1 Miracle Balloon. As a token of thanks, you'll receive a coupon for $2 off your next haircut at Great Clips.

Now through Nov. 2

Spirit of Children Campaign at Spirit of Halloween stores | Seriously scary savings when you bring in a 20 percent off coupon. Don't forget: 20 percent of your purchase will support local Child Life programs!

Dec. 1-3

3rd Annual Festival of Trees | Silent auction of decorated trees and wreaths at Tioga Town Center benefitting UF Health Shands Children's Hospital.

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Wish List

We want to make the most of your donation efforts. Here is a list of year-round items that support our patients while in our care. Your contributions make a difference!

Read the wish list.