Behind every breakthrough in our research and behind all the exceptional care at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, there is a community of generous donors who help make it possible. When we share stories on Kids Health Matters throughout the year, we are not only applauding the achievements of our patients and providers–we’re celebrating the extraordinary impact philanthropy has on our work.

Like so many of our favorite events, the 2020 KS95 for Kids Radiothon will look a little bit different this year – but the switch to a fully-virtual Radiothon means that there are even more ways to show your support!

For families like Colton’s, the costs of care can be overwhelming. That’s why our donor-funded Gillette Assistance Program exists—to help families worry less about finances so they can focus solely on their child’s care. Not all heroes wear capes, but you can become a hero for kids like Colton when you support Gillette with your donation today. 

There's a new level of excitement and commitment to conducting research at Gillette that could change and improve the lives of countless numbers of children everywhere, and donor support is pivotal in leading the charge. 

Joe Carr is a socially connected doer and thinker so a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic was not about to stop him from launching his 5th annual Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. In fact, Joe and his team say in a strange twist COVID-19 might make this year of fund raising even more successful.

Kids Health Heroes is a series that highlights a few of the incredible individuals and community partners who are stepping forward to keep Gillette strong and resilient throughout this public health emergency. This post celebrates #GiveAtHomeMN donors, DAIRY QUEEN, and Home Depot. We thank all of our donors for their generous support, and invite you to join them with your contribution today.

Kids Health Heroes is a series that highlights a few of the incredible individuals and community partners who are stepping forward to keep Gillette strong and resilient throughout this public health emergency. This post celebrates Gillette donor Michael Owens, local restaurants and caterers, and businesses donating masks. We thank all of our donors for their generous support, and invite you to join them with your contribution today.

During this time of isolation, everyone is looking for ways to stay in touch with the people and causes they care about. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be exploring new ways to connect with one another while also staying safe. Learn five easy ways you can support Gillette and create community together, from a distance.

Nicole Leinonen says she’ll never forget the phone call that she says changed her life. “Every time I think of that phone call from Gillette telling me that I qualified for some financial assistance I get emotional. I’m amazed at how generous people are,” Nicole says. “The Gillette Assistance Program (GAP) means I can focus on Ella and her needs. I don’t have to be so stressed worrying about how, as a single parent, I can pay for her care.”

Learn about how Jennifer and her son Nick, a Gillette patient who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, came up with an idea for a part-time business making dog treats and turned it into a reality that they hope will provide employment opportunities to other young adults who have disabilities.

The hospital can be a scary place for anyone, especially a child, and no matter how nice the staff is or how thoughtfully the clinical spaces are designed, it’s usually difficult for a patient to forget they’re in one. At Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, that’s no longer the case.

It's rare for a singular event to bring so much joy and meaning to so many individuals and organizations, but Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare's celebration of the 3rd Annual Mauer and Friends Kids Classic, did just that. The event took place on a perfect, June day, and 25 Gillette patients and their families had the experience of a lifetime down on the grass of Target Field.

“It’s Matthew’s machine, but communication is a two-way street. I need to know how to use it just as well as him.” – Martha Wilson, Matthew’s mom. Learn why the most important part of this mother-son relationship is his adapted communication device.

You know, there might be nothing more Minnesotan than lacing up a pair of skates and heading out to the rink. “You bet, you’d better believe it,” says Tony Lang of Loretto, Minnesota. “I grew up playing hockey my whole life. It’s a family tradition. In fact, when we had kids I built a rink in our backyard.”

On Pedal in Place race day, participants jump on stationary bikes, battle it out with other teams, and race to good health—all while raising funds for kids who have cerebral palsy or other lifelong conditions. Many Gillette families say the adaptive bikes are helpful for their child's physical therapy and emotional well-being.

“I don’t think it would surprise anyone to learn that a lot of children love dogs,” says Emily DeBreto. “While we’ve had volunteers bring in therapeutic dogs at the hospital for comfort, we wanted to get our dogs more involved with the actual functional aspects of the therapy we’re providing.”

"This kid is without a doubt my hero. I am without a doubt his biggest fan," says Ross Carothers of his son, Mikey, who has schizencephaly. Learn how the generosity of donors has supported Mikey's family and how they've given back in return.

Twenty years after a traumatic brain injury, the Twin Cities Marathon will welcome Andrew Leitner to the starting line. With his running bib emblazoned, "Gillette 1" he pays homage to hospital that he volunteers for...and the one that saved his life.

Gavin, age 5, recently achieved his dream of bike-riding with his older brother! See how fundraising helped give Gavin a adapted bike of his own.

If you want to know how a former guard to the British Royal Family wound up racing his sailboat to help Minnesota children who have disabilities, follow along below.