CHKD KidStuff, Summer 2025

KidStuff Summer 2025

Novel neurosurgery makes medical history How surgeons use robotic tools at CHKD Reunited: NICU graduate visits care team 18 years later

Summer 2025 1

KidStuff is a publication of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507 (757) 668-7043

Contents 2

News from Around the Blocks

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A Heart for the Kids

7

All Grown Up

8

Novel Neurosurgery

President & CEO Amy Sampson

OUR BOARDS OF DIRECTORS (as of April 2025)

– Children’s Health System – Akhil Jain, Chair

Julie Beck

Nicole Legum

Larry Bernert

Katrina Lesher, MD

George Clarke

Kevin Murphy

Martha Colen

Scott Nottingham, MD

Mark Compton

Kieran Poulos

Leslie Doyle

Amy Sampson

Kim Georges

Brian Skinner

Owen Griffin

Eleanor Smith

Katherine Knaus John Lawson

Carl St. Remy, MD Susan Wynne

– The King’s Daughters – Nicole Legum, President

Robin Broadnax

Carter Madson

Beth Bryant

Amy Moynihan

Leslie Crocker

Taylor Priest

Lori Fagan

Carie Shiels

Laura Fulton

Sunny Sonner

Margaret Kelly

Renee S. Walker

Carrie L. Lauck

Carrie Williams

– KidStuff Editorial Team – Managing Editor Medical Editor

Heart Center names new Chief of Cardiac Surgery

College student and NICU graduate reunites with former care team

Logan’s procedure to correct rare condition makes medical history

12 Embracing Life with Cerebral Palsy

Ten-year-old Sarah thrives with help of CHKD’s comprehensive program

16 Robotics in the Operating Room

Surgeons give young athlete a fresh start using the da Vinci robotic surgical system

20 A PICU Passion Project

Longtime hospital donors Clark and Susie Childers are no strangers to CHKD

22 Philanthropy Helps Provide Ongoing Care 23 Our Donors Make a Difference 24 Join Our CHKD Community

Ridgely Ingersoll Christopher Foley, MD

Editor

Heather Kent

Associate Editor

Brandi Potts

Assistant Editor

MaryClaire Hudson

Art Director

SUMMER 2025

PHOTOGRAPH BY Glenn Bashaw

Eric Cardenas

© 2025 Children’s Health System Inc. To be removed from the KidStuff mailing list, email Gifts@CHKD.org or call (757) 668-7070.

Connect with CHKD through social media.

CHKD.org

Lucas Pahuyo was born with an atrial septal defect – a hole between his heart’s upper chambers – about the size of a dime. Many children can have the hole repaired with a cardiac catheterization, but Lucas was too small for the procedure.

Because the condition can lead to serious complications if untreated, he underwent a five-hour open heart surgery at CHKD at just 18 months of age. Today, Lucas has fully recovered and is always on the go, whether playing soccer or dancing to pop music.

News from Around the Blocks

Inside Business Magazine Honors Healthcare Heroes at CHKD Each year, Inside Business celebrates individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on healthcare across Hampton Roads. This year, two exceptional members of Team CHKD have earned this well-deserved recognition.

< Molly Lowther, RN With more than 12 years of service at CHKD, Molly Lowther has made a profound difference in the lives of children battling cancer and blood disorders. Her compassionate care has earned her two DAISY Awards, recognizing her commitment to patients in the hospital’s Hematology/Oncology Inpatient Unit. Beyond her work at the bedside, Molly is an advocate for childhood cancer research, serving as CHKD’s team captain for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser for the past four years.

St. Baldrick’s supports cancer research conducted at CHKD. Dr. Christopher Foley > For nearly 30 years, Dr. Foley has been an inspiring presence at CHKD, appreciated for his patience, clinical expertise, unwavering support, and exceptional leadership. Before being named Chief Clinical Operations Officer in 2022, Dr. Foley served as a pediatric intensive care specialist, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Critical Care, and Medical Director of CHKD’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pharmacy, and Mobile Intensive Care Program. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both his colleagues and the countless patients under his care.

Molly Lowther and Dr. Foley embody the spirit of CHKD’s mission, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements!

Hotline Offers Fast, W Expert Care for Sports Injuries

2 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

hen a young athlete is hurt, parents and coaches want them to be evaluated as soon as possible. That’s why CHKD offers the Sports Injury Hotline at 757-668-PLAY (7529), a dedicated service designed to provide quick, convenient, and athlete-focused care.

The CHKD Sports Injury Hotline is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering parents and athletes direct access to personalized scheduling guidance. The hotline offers same-day or next-day sports medicine appointments at multiple locations across the region and collaborates with CHKD’s Urgent Care Centers and the Emergency Department at our main hospital to ensure every athlete receives the most appropriate level of care.

Don’t let an injury sideline your young athlete. Call 757-668-PLAY (7529) to get the guidance and care they need to get back in the game.

CHKD Mobile Intensive Care: Celebrating 50 Years of Lifesaving Transport

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hen critically ill children at other regional hospitals need the highly specialized pediatric care that is only available at CHKD, their doctors know to call on our Mobile Intensive Care team to safely bring them to us. This year, that team will mark 50 years of delivering expert pediatric care to children in their most vulnerable moments.

When CHKD’s Mobile Intensive Care Program was established in 1975, the team operated with just one vehicle and a two-person crew – a pediatric nurse and a paramedic – focused solely on the safe transport of critically ill and premature newborns. In the early 1980s, a second vehicle and a third team member, a respiratory therapist, were added, expanding the program’s capabilities and paving the way for the robust system in place today.

Today, the team operates four critical care units and one acute care vehicle, offering two levels of care to meet the diverse needs of children ranging from tiny premature newborns to full-grown teens and high school athletes.

Two dedicated teams are in place 24 hours a day to respond to physician requests to transfer critical and

acute care pediatric patients from other facilities to CHKD or other specialized care hospitals outside of our service area. Our team flies with Nightingale Air Ambulance on occasion to assist with pediatric or neonatal interfacility transports by helicopter. And for transports deemed too far for a helicopter or an ambulance, members of the team are also qualified to fly with MedCenter Air, participating in fixed-wing aircraft critical care transfers.

Since its inception, the team has completed over 50,000 transports, including 1,554 in 2024 alone – an astounding one-third of these were for critically ill newborns.

As CHKD’s Mobile Intensive Care Program marks its golden anniversary, we celebrate not just the numbers but the lives saved, the families supported, and the unwavering commitment of the medical professionals who serve this team with heart and skill. Their dedication ensures that critically ill children receive complex medical care even before arriving at CHKD, providing a vital lifeline for those in need.

Summer 2025 3

News from Around the Blocks

Welcome to Our New and Improved Website Exciting News! CHKD has launched a brand-new, redesigned website to make your experience smoother, faster, and more user-friendly, especially on your smartphone.

Here’s what’s new: • Powerful Search Tools – Find what you need quickly and easily.

• Enhanced Provider Profiles – Choose the best doctor for your child with confidence.

• Simplified Process for Bill Payments – Paying your bills is now easier than ever.

And there’s more to come. Stay tuned for upcoming upgrades, including digital pre-appointment forms and a refreshed Careers page to help you land your dream job at CHKD Health System.

Discover our new site today at CHKD.org!

Inpatient Rehab Unit Marks 5 Years in Renovated Space

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In CHKD’s rehab gym, patient Lucas Guinn works with pediatric physical therapist Michael Graham using the ZeroG Gait and Balance System, a robotic body-weight support device, to help Lucas relearn to walk after suffering a stroke at age 5.

4 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

hen children suffer severe illness or injuries that affect their physical mobility or functional skills, the Acute Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit at CHKD provides the medical care and motivation they need to realize their fullest potential. Since 1999, this unique program has helped hundreds of children regain essential skills like walking, talking, swallowing, and even breathing on their own.

In 2020, CHKD unveiled its newly renovated unit. Since opening those doors, dozens of patients have taken advantage of the inspirational Blue Angels’ themed décor and state-of-the-art therapy gym, designed specifically for kids needing to regain strength and vital skills. Technology enhancements were also added to each of the eight private patient rooms, including overhead ceiling lifts and accessible bathrooms, to enhance the independence and safety of those patients experiencing serious mobility issues.

Located on the hospital’s fifth floor, CHKD’s rehab unit is the only unit of its kind in Virginia. Because it is part of our full-service children’s hospital, the unit is uniquely qualified and licensed to care for children with complex medical needs, including tracheostomies and central lines that may disqualify patients from other rehabilitation facilities.

Patients follow a rigorous daily schedule that incorporates physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapy. Doctors, nurses, social workers, art and music therapists, and schoolteachers are also members of the treatment team. Together, this special team helps families rebuild futures after trauma, violence, or illness has forever altered the course of a child’s life.

Honoring the Heart of CHKD: A Night of Celebration

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n the evening of Friday, January 10, the Marriott Norfolk Waterside was buzzing with excitement at CHKD’s second annual Milestone Gala.

This special event honored the commitment of 233 team members who have been integral to the continued success of CHKD for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and even 45 years!

The Milestone Gala is more than just a celebration of years served. It’s a tribute to the critical role each of our team members plays in ensuring that CHKD continues to be a place where children find healing

and families find hope. Whether delivering direct patient care or supporting vital operations behind the scenes, each honoree has made a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across our region and beyond. Their dedication ensures that CHKD remains a leader in pediatric care, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions to the organization’s ongoing success.

Are you interested in joining Team CHKD? Visit CHKD.org/Careers to learn how you can contribute to our mission to change lives.

Summer 2025 5

A Heart for the Kids Heart Center names new Chief of Cardiac Surgery WRITTEN BY Heather Kent • PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ken Mountain

D

r. Umar Boston recently joined the cardiac

pioneers in the field. But his expertise extends beyond the

stepping into the role of Chief of Cardiac

many leadership roles, most recently as director of the adult

surgery team at the Heart Center at CHKD,

Surgery. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Dr. Boston brings a wealth of experience, expertise,

and a commitment to advancing pediatric cardiac care in our region.

After graduating from Howard University College of

operating room. Over the past 19 years, he has served in

congenital heart disease program and founder and director of both the heart transplant program and the ventricular

assist device program at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

“The opportunity to build a world-class congenital

Medicine with a residency at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Boston

heart program is what inspired me to come to CHKD,”

Mayo Clinic and a pediatric cardiac surgery fellowship at

very motivated multidisciplinary team. And as the only

completed a cardiac surgery research fellowship at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

His passion for congenital heart surgery stems from his

time at the Mayo Clinic, where some of his mentors were

Dr. Michael Vance, a cardiologist at CHKD, listens to Zoe Irby’s heartbeat. Born at 24 weeks with a congenital heart defect, Zoe was the first patient at CHKD to undergo the minimally invasive Piccolo procedure to fix her heart in 2019.

6 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

says Dr. Boston. “I have tremendous support here from a independent, full-service children’s hospital in Virginia,

I see CHKD as being a destination hospital for the region and beyond.”

The Heart Center at CHKD treats a full spectrum of cardiac disorders in patients ranging in age from newborns diagnosed before birth to adults living with congenital heart defects. The pediatric cardiac surgery team provides expert, patient-centered care in collaboration with our cardiologists, neonatologists, and pediatric intensive care specialists. The Heart Center at CHKD is a member of the Virginia Congenital Cardiac Collaborative. This collaborative, a partnership between CHKD, UVA Children’s, and Children’s Hospital of Richmond has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best programs in the country.

All Grown Up

College student and NICU graduate reunites with former care team WRITTEN BY Alice Warchol • PHOTOGRAPH BY Ken Mountain

E

ighteen years ago, nurses in the Neonatal

Intensive Care Unit at CHKD watched over a fragile newborn girl not knowing if she would

survive without extensive brain damage. Now, as a healthy,

During their reunion, the team gave Nai’lah and her mom,

Rita, who now live in Maryland, a quick tour of the NICU,

which has significantly changed since Nai’lah was a patient.

Julia Lomax, a CHKD neonatal nurse practitioner

happy teenager, that same girl returned to the NICU where

who was part of Nai’lah’s care team, recalled how elated

same care team members who helped to save her life.

that Nai’lah’s brain activity was normal. “You had

she and her mother were able to reunite with some of the

everyone in the NICU was when an EEG showed

During her birth at a neighboring hospital, Nai’lah Powell everyone rooting for you,” Lomax said during the visit.

had suffered severe oxygen deprivation. She was transferred

Nai’lah’s incredible recovery with cooling therapy was

the time, could use a new technique he was studying to stop

a year later when she was a toddler and hitting all her

to CHKD so Dr. Thomas Bass, a CHKD neonatologist at

her brain cells from dying by keeping her body temperature at 91 degrees.

The nursing team that oversaw Nai’lah’s care for several

weeks never imagined they would reunite with this baby

years later, telling her firsthand in between hugs and tears of

featured in the hospital’s KidStuff magazine more than developmental milestones.

Today, Nai’lah continues to thrive. She currently takes

online classes through Liberty University to attain her associate’s degree in biblical studies.

“We always knew you would do great things – and you

joy how she was one of the first infants at CHKD to have

have,” said MaryBeth Sanders, one of the nurses who took

counter the effects of oxygen deprivation at birth. Since

do what we do.”

cooling therapy – now called therapeutic hypothermia – to then, therapeutic hypothermia has become standard of

care of Nai’lah in the NICU. “Seeing you today is why we For Nai’lah and her mom, the reunion was a chance to

care for newborns at risk of brain damage from oxygen

tell everyone in the NICU how grateful they are for the

patients received this type of therapy.

mean to us,” Rita said.

deprivation. In 2024, more than 65 of CHKD’s NICU

care they received 18 years ago. “You don’t know what you

Nai’lah Powell shows off her KidStuff feature from 18 years ago, celebrating with former NICU care team members nurse MaryBeth Sanders, neonatal nurse practitioner Julia Lomax, and her mom, Rita Powell.

Summer 2025 7

Novel Neurosurgery

Logan’s procedure to correct rare condition makes medical history WRITTEN BY Alice Warchol • PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ken Mountain

F

rom the moment he was born, Logan Branson struggled to eat despite a healthy

appetite. His mom tried breastfeeding, but he

couldn’t latch well. After switching to a bottle, Logan still had difficulty drinking and gaining weight.

When he started eating solid foods, not a day went

by without Logan choking. His parents, Hiroko and Jason Branson, quickly became adept at administering first aid – back

blows, or thumps on the middle of the back – to clear his airway. The

daily challenge to stop Logan from choking became a terrifying norm.

“We had to do back blows on him so many times that we didn’t strap him in his highchair to eat,” Jason says.

As Logan grew older, more

issues surfaced. While he was

bright and fluent in both Japanese and English, his speech was very

the tongue’s range of motion. Dr. Baldassari suspected

something more complex, perhaps with the hypoglossal nerve which controls the tongue, and ordered an MRI to rule out any issues with the nerve.

The MRI revealed a rare diagnosis: a blood

vessel was pressing on Logan’s hypoglossal nerve, a condition known as microvascular compression.

As a result, Logan couldn’t move

By the time he was in kindergarten, Logan’s speech therapist recommended he carry a tablet around so it could speak for him.

hard to understand. By the time

his tongue to the right side of his mouth.

After reviewing the MRI,

Dr. Dilustro, a neurosurgeon at CHKD, examined Logan. His

opinion was that the MRI clearly showed a vessel was pressing on the nerve. While this condition

can affect many cranial nerves, it is extremely rare for it to involve

the hypoglossal nerve. Dr. Dilustro found less than 20 reported cases

in medical literature, the youngest

he was in kindergarten, his parents wrestled with a

patient being 17 years old.

Logan a tablet to carry around so it could speak

things were going through our brains,” Jason says.

recommendation from his speech therapist to give for him.

In search of answers, Hiroko and Jason took Logan

to Dr. Cristina Baldassari, an ear, nose, and throat

specialist at CHKD. They wondered if it was possible that Logan had tongue-tie, a condition that restricts 8 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

The Bransons couldn’t believe the news. “A billion

“But it made sense. It was the final dot that connected everything.”

Deciding to treat Logan was a daunting decision.

A successful surgery could change his life, but the

risks of any neurosurgical procedure are significant.

Though the surgery Logan needed had never been done before on a 5-year-old, his parents trusted CHKD neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Dilustro with the complicated procedure.

Summer 2025 9

At 5 years old, Logan would be the youngest patient

to undergo this complicated procedure. After a lengthy

discussion with Dr. Dilustro, the couple agreed to move forward with the surgery. “We were still pretty nervous

about it, but we thought it was the best route,” Jason says.

“We trusted Dr. Dilustro,” Hiroko adds.

For the surgery, Dr. Dilustro teamed up with Dr. Stephanie

Moody Antonio, an otolaryngologist (also known as an

ear, nose, and throat surgeon) at CHKD who specializes in neurotology, a branch of otolaryngology that focuses

on medical and surgical problems of the ear and related cranial nerves.

In the operating room, Dr. Moody created a

small hole in Logan’s skull just behind his right ear.

From this opening, using a microscope with 30-times magnification, Dr. Dilustro carefully made his way to the hypoglossal nerve. This process of isolating the

nerve without damaging surrounding structures required

meticulous dissection. “It took hours to travel centimeters,” he says.

Once they located the nerve, the surgeons discovered

that the blood vessel was significantly covering it and

compromising its function. With great care, Dr. Dilustro created enough space to insert a small piece of Teflon between the nerve and the blood vessel to relieve the

pressure on the nerve. Dr. Moody positioned it perfectly on her first attempt. “She got it exactly where it needed to go,” Dr. Dilustro says.

In a waiting room nearby, Logan’s parents received text

message updates on their son’s progress throughout the surgery. CHKD social workers and chaplains checked

in with them repeatedly to provide support during their agonizing wait.

When it was over, the couple reunited with Logan in

the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The first sign of success

came the very next day: Logan’s tongue showed noticeable

improvement. “That was a wow moment,” Dr. Moody says.

“The surgery is really going to make a difference for him.”

Today, Logan is thriving. His speech has improved, and

he no longer has any challenges eating. And best of all: he won’t need a tablet to communicate for him.

The Bransons say they’re grateful for all the care Logan

received. “I’m so glad we have CHKD,” Hiroko says.

Post-surgery, the Neuroscience Unit’s sensory playroom provided a comforting space for Logan to relax and recover during his hospital stay.

Logan’s condition is so rare, CHKD neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Dilustro found less than 20 reported cases in medical literature.

PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY Branson family

Summer 2025 11

In 2022, Sarah had orthopedic surgery at CHKD to improve the function of her legs.

Since then, her walking has significantly improved, especially with the help of her walker and braces. Now, she’s out to conquer the world.

12 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

Embracing Life with Cerebral Palsy Ten-year-old Sarah thrives with help from CHKD’s comprehensive program WRITTEN BY Jessica Davenport • PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ken Mountain

E

ach year in the United States, around three out of every 1,000 children are

diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), a disorder

of movement and coordination related to abnormal

therapists, and orthotists who provide casting and bracing, all with the common goal of improving function for this unique population.

“It’s an approach to the care of these patients that

muscle tone. It can be caused by factors like premature

crosses numerous specialties, and we communicate

developing brain before the age of 5, or even genetic

health record,” says Dr. Lesher. “We also help

birth, lack of oxygen during delivery, an insult to the

factors. But with the right treatment and support, kids with CP can unlock their own potential.

At CHKD, a comprehensive cerebral palsy program

is available for children with this diagnosis. Patients with CP can vary widely in functional abilities, says

very effectively, primarily through our electronic

coordinate specialist visits and procedures to reduce

the number of trips families make for appointments.

Our team approach ensures that the patient has the best outcome.”

And, for CP patients who have experienced a

Dr. Katrina Lesher, longtime director of CHKD’s

prolonged illness, hospitalization, or surgery,

Symptoms may include muscle stiffness or

unit in Virginia that’s just for kids. The eight-bed

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program. weakness, difficulty walking, speech issues, and

other complications. CHKD’s CP Program offers

individualized care and support, connecting children

and their families to the resources and therapies that will

CHKD operates the only inpatient rehabilitation

unit helps pediatric patients develop new skills or regain those that have been lost due to accidents, illnesses, or surgeries.

It’s an incredible resource for children diagnosed

help them function to the best of their personal abilities.

with cerebral palsy, like 10-year-old Sarah McDonald.

palsy each year. She focuses on a multidisciplinary

of her life in the CHKD Neonatal Intensive

rehab physicians, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons,

bowel perforation, retinopathy of prematurity, and

Dr. Lesher sees over 500 patients with cerebral

approach that includes fellow physical medicine and

Born at 23 weeks, Sarah spent the first six months

Care Unit, fighting her way through jaundice, a

Summer 2025 13

PHOTOGRAPH BY Susan Lowe

Sarah, shown here at just 22 days old, was born four months early and weighed barely more than a pound. For the next six months, she battled various medical conditions and received round-the-clock care in CHKD’s NICU.

periventricular leukomalacia. Sarah was eventually

Today, Sarah still loves that tablet, as well as singing,

diagnosed with cerebral palsy and began working with

coloring, and building with Legos. She’s able to walk well

her family worked with Dr. Lesher to improve her

and participates in therapies at school. “Sarah is a poster

the multidisciplinary CP team at CHKD. As she grew, scissoring gait, which occurs when legs are too close together and cross over each other when walking.

By 2022, Sarah’s walking had become a concern.

with the aid of a walker and ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) child for motivation,” says Dr. Lesher. “She’s out to conquer the world.”

At her last checkup in March, Sarah impressed

Then 7 years old and attending school, “she just wasn’t

her providers with how well she’s getting around and

knees were kind of bending, and she wasn’t able to

waiting for her father to answer.

walking correctly,” says Sarah’s mom, Monica. “Her support herself.”

To improve her function, CHKD’s orthopedic surgery

team performed a single event multi-level surgery to

address Sarah’s issues with her lower limbs. For nearly

a month after her surgery, Sarah recovered in CHKD’s

Acute Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit, receiving hours of therapies each day, including physical and

answered questions about her status on her own, without “I like them a lot,” Sarah says of her team of caregivers.

“They help me understand, too. I’m happy they give me the time to talk.”

Sarah’s come a long way from her pink hat days in the

NICU (see picture above), and her resilience and fighting spirit continue to influence everyone she meets.

“With the way that Sarah is progressing and how

occupational therapy, to optimize her post-op results.

people are saying that she inspires them, it almost makes

their work schedules, Sarah’s parents could only visit at

“Everyone who has worked with her loves having her

“She loved her care team,” says Monica. Because of

night. The staff coordinated family check-ins during the day on Sarah’s tablet.

14 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

us cry,” says Monica.

as a patient,” says a proud Dr. Lesher. “She’s sassy, she’s motivated, and she’s remarkable.”

Sarah requires care that crosses numerous specialties, so a multidisciplinary team works together to help meet her multiple medical needs in fewer trips to CHKD.

Summer 2025 15

Surgeons give young athlete a fresh start using the da Vinci robotic surgical system WRITTEN BY MaryClaire Hudson • PHOTOGRAPHY BY Ken Mountain

K

nox Carter couldn’t stop throwing up. “He would

“Dietl’s crisis can occur when children with a UPJ

get up in the middle of the night and throw up for

obstruction drink more fluids than the kidney can handle,

Tony and Ashley, Knox’s mother, took 11-year-old Knox

Dr. Janelle Fox, pediatric urologist and Chief of Pediatric

three or four hours,” says Tony, Knox’s father.

to an emergency department near their home in Chesapeake multiple times, growing more worried after every visit

without an explanation of what could have been causing

causing urine to back up within the kidney,” says

Urology at CHKD. “The extra fluid basically overwhelms the body’s drainage system.”

She explained this to the Carters at Knox’s first

Knox’s episodes.

appointment with her. “Dr. Fox is just so amazing,” Ashley

were seen, he was already feeling better,” Tony says.

demeanor, and her professionalism that a boy Knox’s age

“We’d wait in the local ER so long that by the time we

“Our neighbor said, ‘Next time, go to CHKD.’”

On December 26, 2022, Knox’s dad took him to CHKD

during another bout of nausea and vomiting. Once at

CHKD’s Emergency Department, Knox was seen quickly.

Doctors ran tests to discover what was wrong.

“I’ve brought my kids to other hospitals before, but

CHKD was very expeditious in everything they did,

especially getting him seen quickly,” Tony says. “We didn’t have to wait hours to talk to somebody while he was

vomiting. They were very quick. Within 30 minutes, Knox was being screened and having scans done.”

A CT scan at CHKD revealed Knox had a ureteropelvic

says. “I think it speaks a lot to her character, her overall

gets excited when he has a visit with her. He really enjoys her. That’s a big deal.”

Dr. Fox told the Carters that a UPJ obstruction is

typically treated with robotic-assisted surgery. Using

robotic instruments, Dr. Fox would identify and remove

the narrow part of the ureter. Next, she would sew it back together at the healthy ends over a silicone tube called a

ureteral stent. The temporary stent acts like an internal cast to keep the ureter from swelling shut during the healing process and is removed a month later. The procedure is called a pyeloplasty.

“Dr. Fox was really thorough with Knox,” Ashley says.

junction obstruction, or UPJ obstruction. His ureter, a

“She showed him the ultrasound and what she was going

narrowing that caused a backup of urine into his kidney.

going on.”

tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, had a

This led to Knox’s episodes of nausea and vomiting, known as Dietl’s crisis.

16 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

to do. She explained it all so Knox knew exactly what was Knox would be one of the first patients to benefit from

CHKD’s recent investment in the da Vinci robotic surgical

“I’ve brought my kids to other hospitals before, but CHKD was very expeditious in everything they did, especially getting him seen quickly.”

Tony Carter, Knox’s dad

Summer 2025 17

Knox would be one of the first patients to benefit from CHKD’s recent investment in the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

With robotic-assisted surgery, patients like Knox benefit from smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter recovery time.

PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY Carter family

system. With robotic-assisted surgery, patients benefit from

he was able to go home after only one night at CHKD.

factors for kids having surgery. Additionally, these

family described as an easy recovery: a month off

smaller incisions with fewer narcotics, which are important minimally invasive procedures generally lead to shorter recovery time.

“The aim of robotic surgery is to achieve the same

surgical outcomes through smaller incisions, which

results in less pain, less blood loss, and quicker discharge

Over the next few weeks, Knox had what he and his

from sports but returning to school after less than two

weeks and being able to walk around on his own shortly after surgery. His temporary stent was removed with no complications.

“Dr. Fox said the robotic surgery would be the best

home,” says Dr. Fox. “Technologies continue to

option,” Ashley says. “We trusted her.”

This is particularly beneficial for school-age children and

Beach. He also runs track and plays the viola. He’ll

school and work faster.”

thankful for the expert care he received at CHKD.

miniaturize so we make smaller and smaller incisions.

working families because it allows them to get back to

Dr. Fox performed Knox’s pyeloplasty in March 2023.

Thanks to the minimally invasive nature of his surgery, 18 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

Knox, now 13, plays soccer for Beach FC in Virginia

have one more follow-up with Dr. Fox, and his family is “We recommend it, especially for military families like

ours,” says Ashley. “Now I always say, ‘Go to CHKD.’”

CHKD Embraces Robotic-Assisted Surgery to Advance Pediatric Care

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hile “robotic-assisted surgery” might conjure futuristic images of machines operating on humans, da Vinci technology is better understood as an extension of the surgeon’s hands. The surgeon is in the operating room and seated at the da Vinci system console. While cameras magnify the surgeon’s view up to 10 times what can be seen by the human eye, the surgeon maneuvers robotic instruments that move like human hands, but with an extended range of motion and increased precision. The technology first received FDA approval in 2000 and has since become a widely accepted tool for surgeons.

“By equipping our medical professionals with the tools and expertise they need to use advanced surgical technology, we ensure our pediatric patients receive the best possible outcomes through minimally invasive procedures,” says Dr. Robert Obermeyer, Vice President and

Chief of Surgery at CHKD. “We are committed to pioneering the future of pediatric surgery through the use of the most advanced robotic technology available.”

CHKD surgeons perform approximately 40 robotic cases per year. Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery have become routine for cases in which delicate suturing is required or the target organ is difficult to access.

“Urological surgery is only one of the areas that benefits from robotic-assisted technology,” says Dr. Janelle Fox, pediatric urologist and Chief of Pediatric Urology at CHKD. “Robotics can also be used for orthopedic surgery, abdominal surgery, even some cardiac and ENT surgeries. I truly believe that most of our surgeries over the next few decades will evolve into much more precise and less invasive techniques, thanks to technology like the da Vinci.”

In a CHKD operating room, pediatric urologist and Chief of Pediatric Urology Dr. Janelle Fox uses the da Vinci robotic surgical system (shown at left) to perform a minimally-invasive urological procedure, as Dr. Cameron Barruga, urology resident, assists at the patient’s side.

Summer 2025 19

A generous donation from Susie and Clark Childers is supporting renovations to CHKD’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where Adam, one of their twin sons (shown at bottom right), spent several days fighting an infection in 1990. Below, 14-month-old Adam is comforted by his mother and grandmother during his stay at CHKD.

“They were measuring his life in 15-minute increments.”

Clark Childers

PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY Childers family

20 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

A PICU Passion Project

Longtime hospital donors Clark and Susie Childers are no strangers to CHKD WRITTEN BY Jessica Davenport • PHOTOGRAPH BY Ken Mountain

T

heir connection began nearly 35 years ago in the early morning hours of Labor Day 1990.

Those days, the Childers were busy parenting

three energetic young boys, including 14-month-old twins,

Finally on the mend, Adam was able to transition out of

the PICU to a regular hospital room before coming home

four days later. The Childers family was back together again.

Remarkably, Adam suffers no long-term side effects from

Adam and Chris.

his near-death case of meningitis. A sports management

pick him up, she noticed he was feverish and lethargic, with

for both the Atlanta Braves and Hawks. He just celebrated

That morning, when Susie reached into Adam’s crib to

a splotchy rash. Alarmed, she called Adam’s pediatrician

who sent them to the closest emergency room. Once there,

graduate of Georgia Southern University, Adam has worked his first wedding anniversary.

And now, thanks to a generous donation from the

the Childers learned that Adam had viral meningitis.

Childers family, the PICU is getting an update. Renovations

decision to call CHKD’s transport team to move him safely

complete by the end of 2025.

Adam’s condition deteriorated quickly, and “they made the to CHKD,” Susie says.

began in 2024, and all phases of the remodel will be

“The much-needed upgrades will affect the whole unit, both

Once at CHKD, Adam was whisked into the Pediatric

patient care areas and family spaces,” says CHKD’s Chief of

Emergency Department would open four years later) while

includes new flooring, fresh paint in calming blues and grays

Intensive Care Unit for immediate attention (CHKD’s

his parents waited nearby. Susie remembers how gentle and caring Dr. Jorge Montes was as he prepared them to see

Adam in the PICU for the first time. “He told us, ‘I will

be right there with you,’” she says. “I’ll never forget it. He explained every tube and every monitor. And he sat right there with us, on a stool by Adam’s bed.”

The next few days in the PICU were a harrowing vigil

Pediatric Critical Care Dr. Thomas Cholis. The transformation in patient rooms, and beautiful beach-inspired artwork.

The Childers donation also ensures the Family Lounge, an

area they learned to value during Adam’s stay, receives these long-awaited upgrades. Ultimately the design “will create

a soothing, healing environment for patients and families

during some of their most stressful times,” says Dr. Cholis.

The entire PICU staff is excited to see the upgrades.

for the Childers. Adam suffered a stroke and seizures. His

“We recognize that having a child in the ICU can be

brain to rest. “They were measuring his life in 15-minute

uncertainty,” says PICU Director Jennifer Pierson. “These

doctors placed him in a medically-induced coma to allow his increments,” says Clark.

After several days of treating the infection, his doctors

stopped administering the medication that was keeping

Adam deeply sedated, but he remained unconscious and

couldn’t be roused. The PICU team met with the Childers to begin the difficult conversations about what they would

do if Adam’s condition didn’t change. As that meeting was

an overwhelming experience, filled with anxiety and

thoughtful enhancements will not only create a more

comforting environment but will also ease some of the stress

that families face during this challenging time. The generosity and support from the Childers family will undoubtedly leave a lasting positive impact on the families we care for, helping them feel a little more supported during their journey.”

The Childers hope their gift will provide both comfort

ending, they received word that Adam had woken up.

and care to families with critically ill children. “This is

miracle. We were getting our child back.”

wonderful place, Adam wouldn’t be here.”

“I cannot even describe that feeling,” says Susie. “It was a

our way of giving back,” says Susie. “If it wasn’t for this

Summer 2025 21

Philanthropy Helps Provide Ongoing Care When Ava was only a month old, she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder. She immediately began receiving treatment at CHKD’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, where a specialized, multidisciplinary team collaborates on her treatment plan and provides education and support services that address her family’s unique needs.

Since then, the drive from their home in Franklin to CHKD in Norfolk has become all too familiar. Ava’s diagnosis meant many trips in her first year – just having a fever requires a visit to the emergency department for blood work and antibiotics to treat any bacterial infections.

Ava’s comprehensive care team at CHKD is there

every step of the way, whether she is receiving medical treatment from a physician or working with a child life specialist to reduce anxiety and fear through play, learning, and self-expression.

Now an energetic toddler, Ava likes the color pink, bananas, and strawberry smoothies. As she grows through childhood, she will continue to receive ongoing care at CHKD to manage her illness and make sure she is healthy.

Donations are the reason CHKD can offer innovative treatments, advanced technology and equipment, and the compassionate care and support services our children and families need, close to home. Below are some ways you can help.

Giving is easy. You can make a difference today with a gift by cash, check, credit card, or stock. Use the enclosed envelope, donate online at the link below, or contact us for more options.

Make it monthly. Becoming a monthly donor is one of the most powerful ways to help children at CHKD. Your ongoing generosity supports our mission all year long.

Multiply your donation. Many companies will match donations made by employees to organizations like CHKD. Some will even match gifts from spouses, retirees, and part-time employees. Visit CHKD.org/MatchYourGift to see if your employer matches gifts.

Planned and legacy gifts. Friends who establish a planned gift with CHKD become members of the Beth Duke Legacy Society, and these estate plans ensure our ability to provide the best care for children in the future. Learn more at CHKD.org/PlannedGiving.

Children at CHKD need your help NOW! Visit CHKD.org/GiveCHKD or scan the QR code to donate securely online.

To learn more and find additional ways to help, visit CHKD.org/Giving or call (757) 668-7070.

22 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

Our Donors Make a Difference Every year, CHKD partners with Dunkin’ and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation in support of CHKD’s Integrative Care/Child Life Program. Pictured here, local Dunkin’ representatives and CHKD team members celebrate the success of Dunkin’s annual Iced Coffee Day, where $1 from every iced coffee sold helped children feel more comfortable and in control of their hospital stay.

Bronco Federal Credit Union raised $20,000 for CHKD at their 27th annual golf tournament in 2024. Mike Kenzie, Chief Executive Officer, and Holly Ledbetter, Human Resources and Administrative Services Manager, present the donation to CHKD’s John Muszkewycz (middle). Over the years, Bronco FCU has raised more than $300,000 to benefit the children at CHKD. Wawa Team Brooks joined CHKD at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore to pack bags of food for CHKD’s Family Nutrition Program, a critical program that provides children and families with healthy, shelf-stable food. In 2024, CHKD distributed 2,100 bags to local families and hopes to distribute nearly double that number in 2025.

CLUBWAKA Hampton Roads’ WAKAPalooza Virginia Beach Kickball Open benefitted CHKD in 2024. The tournament hosted 18 teams which included a group from CHKD and raised $4,025.

CLUBWAKA’s Jason Flick and Brent Wentworth present the proceeds to CHKD’s John Muszkewycz.

Partner with CHKD! Support from corporations, foundations, business leaders, and other groups in our community ensures we can provide critical programs and services and care for every child who needs us. Find out how you can help.

Summer 2025 23

Join Our

Community

Fundraise for the Kids Join Team CHKD to raise crucial funds for the unique programs and services our children need to heal and grow.

With CHKD’s online fundraising platform, the opportunities to show your support are endless. Dedicate your next event, birthday, holiday, or special occasion to local children at CHKD, or fundraise on a larger scale by organizing a charity race or sports tournament.

Visit CHKD.org/FundraiseYourWay or scan the QR code to learn more and create your personal fundraising page today.

Create a Legacy at CHKD Plan for your future and support CHKD’s mission by creating or updating your will with FreeWill, an online resource that guides you through the estate planning process at no cost. In just 20 minutes, you can help CHKD provide the best care for children now and in the future.

With a planned gift of any size to CHKD, you join The Beth Duke Legacy Society, a special group of donors who support our mission and inspire others to do the same, just as Beth Duke did throughout her 45-year career at CHKD. For more information, contact our Philanthropy Office at (757) 668-7070 or Legacy@CHKD.org.

Beth Duke, pictured in 2017 with CHKD patient Alexa Crawley

Join The King’s Daughters Karen Heniger, Alyssa McCrory, Kay Keatley, and Lillian McLemore of The King’s Daughters Horizon Circle collect tickets for a 50-50 drawing during their annual Spring into Mah Jongg event to benefit CHKD.

24 Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

Since 1896, The King’s Daughters has made a difference in our community through fundraising, volunteerism, leadership, and advocacy for children’s health. Get involved by joining one of the 31 Adult Circles or nine Junior Circles in greater Hampton Roads – or create your own! Learn more and find local events at KingsDaughters.org.

Parenting and Professional Resources from CHKD Dedicated to providing quality information based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, CHKD offers classes, conferences, webinars, and more for parents and professionals interested in gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence in parenting. From parent education to children’s health, mental wellness, injury prevention, and sports performance, CHKD has got you covered.

Upcoming programs include: • Wonders and Worries: Back to School and Beyond • Take Ten! Positive Parenting Tips, On Demand • Talking Fatherhood Podcasts • Youth Mental Wellness Suicide Prevention Training

• CPR • and more!

Scan the QR code or visit CHKD.org/Classes to see our schedule and read our latest Community Connections bulletin.

Grow Your Career at CHKD

CHKD Health System offers careers in both clinical and non-clinical fields from entry-level to experienced professionals throughout our 45 locations. If you want to make a difference in the lives of children, apply for a position with CHKD today.

Find balance in life and work. In addition to traditional medical, dental, and vision care, we offer generous time off that starts accruing on your first day, and two personal days off each year.

Employees also have free 24/7 access to our gym, discounts, and a suite of additional popular benefits.

Your family matters to us, too. Our family-focused benefits include paid parental leave, dependent care reimbursement, and best of all, no copays or deductibles for most CHKD services for dependents using a CHKD health plan!

We’ll help with your education. CHKD is proud to offer student loan repayment for eligible employees, and tuition assistance for those currently enrolled in a degree program.

Scan the QR code or visit CHKD.org/Careers to learn more about working at CHKD and browse current openings.

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID CHKD

601 Children’s Lane • Norfolk, VA 23507

Supporting the kids at CHKD has never been so sweet.

Put the

SQUEEZE

on childhood cancer July 18-20 Host a lemonade stand, donate, or fundraise to benefit CHKD’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

MIRACLE TREAT DAY

AnthemLemonAidCHKD.org

Thursday, July 31

For every Blizzard sold, DQ will donate $1. helping local kids with cancer

Only available at participating locations.