2017 brought breakthrough research, plans for expansion and an unforgettable baby hippo to the lives of our patients and staff. Take a look back at some of the cool things that happened in 2017, listed in chronological order.
Cincinnati Children’s Helps Premature Hippo Baby
Fiona, the Cincinnati Zoo’s premature hippo, took the world by storm in 2017 and we’re proud our Vascular Access Team (VAT) was able to help her during the critical early stages of her life. VAT team members came to the zoo with sensitive ultrasound equipment and placed an IV catheter in Fiona to provide life-saving fluid.
In order to expand services for our sickest, most complex patients, we announced plans to expand our Burnet campus in March. The Critical Care Building will add 110 to 150 new patient beds and will connect to our current structure allowing for seamless movement between buildings for our patients and their families.
Viewing the Solar Eclipse: How Kids Can Do it Safely
The story of the summer for many aspiring astronomers was the total solar eclipse that took place August 21. We explained how to safely enjoy this rare phenomenon.
Woman with Down Syndrome Marks 20 Years of Employment at Children’s
Our employees are the heartbeat of our institution and in September we celebrated 20 years of service by one of our most remarkable workers. When Gretchen Koetters started at Cincinnati Children’s in 1997 it was not common for young adults with Down syndrome to have jobs. Thanks to the help of our Project Search she has been a valuable part of our team for the past two decades.
Study Finds Clues in Mystery of Preterm Birth
The cause of preterm birth has long been a challenging subject for scientists. This year a study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, coordinated by Dr. Lou Muglia in our Perinatal Institute, helped explain the impact of both genetic and environmental factors as they relate to preterm birth.
4 Must-Know Points About CAR T-Cell Therapy
2017 is the year the FDA approved a cancer treatment called CAR T-cell therapy. The treatment is considered a “game changer” for kids with relapsed acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Meet Idina, our third facility dog!
One of our sweetest new employees joined the team in 2017. Idina joined Chevy and Leica as our third facility dog. The story of her connection with patients and her doctor parents was seen nationally thanks to a feature in People.
A Letter to My 1-Year-Old-Son, Who Had an Encephalocele
In December we introduced you to Zak, who survived a dangerous surgery to remove a rare birth defect that covered his face from his forehead to his upper lip. His mom, Valeka Riegel, shared the emotional letter she wrote to her son for his first birthday. Zak’s inspiring story was featured nationally by Today, ABC News and People, and internationally by Daily Mail.
2017 marked another year of outstanding scientific achievement by our researchers. Learn more about our Top 9 breakthrough discoveries.
New Animals Highlight Burnet Campus Concourse Updates
In 2017 we completed updates to our main concourse designed to make the areas around our welcome desks more open, colorful and inviting. The most noticeable additions are the different animals that have been installed at each location to make the concourse easier to navigate for patients and families.
Outstanding stories. Thank U for sharing.