Skip to main content

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By closing this banner or interacting with our site, you acknowledge and agree to this. Legal Notices

Mobile Menu

  • Find A Doctor
  • About Gillette
  • Conditions & Care
  • Your Visit
  • Get Involved
  • Ways to Give
  • Locations
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • For Medical Professionals
  • Research
  • Visit us on Facebook
  • Visit us on Twitter
  • Visit us on Youtube
  • Visit us on Pinterest
  • Visit us on Instagram
  • Kids Health Matters
Gillette Children's Spcialty Healthcare Logo Gillette Children's Home
For Medical Professionals
  • Find A Doctor
  • Schedule An Appointment
  • Find Locations
  • Access MyGillette
  • Pay a Bill
  • Request Medical Records
  • Learn About Research
  • Refer a Patient
  • Make a Donation
  • Explore Careers
Search Gillette Website
What can we help you find?
Refine search.
Open Mobile Navigation
  • Find A Doctor

    Gillette attracts the nation's top surgeons and physicians in many specialties. Finding the best care providers for your child begins here.

    Find a Doctor
    Enter provider's last name

    Make an Appointment (Patients and Families):

    651-290-8707 or 800-719-4040 (toll-free).

    Refer a Patient or Consult With a Specialist (Health Care Providers):

    651-325-2200 or 855-325-2200 (toll-free)

    Meet Dr. Song

    Debbie Song, MD, is a pediatric neurosurgeon who specializes in treating complex conditions such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus and Chiari malformations.

    Learn more about neurosurgery
    Debbie Song, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon
    See all care providers at Gillette
  • About Gillette

    Children who have disabilities and complex medical needs—and their families—have been at the center of our mission for more than 120 years. Learn how we've built on this long history to help patients improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.

    • Why Gillette?
    • Our Leadership Team
    • Honors & Awards
    • Certification & Accreditations
    • Quality and Safety at Gillette
    • 2019 Annual Report
    Our History

    Meet Jo'Vonna

    Jo'Vonna loves riding her scooter, but because she has cerebral palsy, she has trouble maintaining balance. If anything besides Jo'Vonna's own determination will help her meet her goals, it's Gillette.

    Read more patient stories
    Jo
    Learn about our mission, our history and more
  • Conditions & Care
    Search for a condition, treatment or service

    Conditions

    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Neuromuscular Disorders
    • Scoliosis
    • Craniosynostosis
    • Brain Injury

    All Conditions

    Tests & Treatments

    • Shunt Surgery for Hydrocephalus
    • Gait and Motion Analysis
    • Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)
    • Gillette Craniocap© Orthosis
    • Botulinum Toxin and Phenol (Injected Spasticity Medications)

    All Tests & Treatments

    Specialties & Services

    • Orthopedics
    • Rehabilitation Medicine
    • Craniofacial and Plastic Surgery
    • Neurology
    • Neurosurgery

    All Specialties & Services

    Quick Care ClinicQuick, convenient care for common illnesses Virtual Guided Patient ConsultWhat specialty is right for my child?
    Quick Care Clinic

    If your child needs care right away, our new Quick Care Clinic is here for you.

    See all conditions, treatments and services
  • Your Visit
    Pay a Bill Log in to MyGillette Learn more about MyGillette
    Patient Education
    Search Patient Education
    Search

    Patient Services and Resources

    • Your Rights and Medical Records
    • Understanding Costs, Insurance and the Gillette Assistance Programs
    • Services to Support Your Family
    • Interpreter Services
    • International Patients
    • Parent Resources and Support

    Prepare for Your Visit

    • Prepare for Clinic Visits and Tests
    • Prepare for Surgery
    • Take a Hospital Tour
    • Transfer Your Medical Records
    • Transportation and Accommodations
    • Ways to Prepare and Comfort Your Child

    During Your Visit or Hospital Stay

    • Commitment to a Safe and Healing Environment
    • Our Hospital Units
    • Your Hospital Room
    • St. Paul Campus Amenities and Activities
    • Visit or Contact a Patient
    See more information for patients and visitors
  • Get Involved
    Volunteer Attend an Event Share Your Event Ideas with Us
    Patient giving two thumbs up
    Humans of Gillette: Share heartfelt interactions with our patients, families, employees and supporters.
    Miracle Treat Day 2018
    Apply for Gillette Family Council: Collaborate with us and become part of our family advisory group.
    • Read It's OK to Ask!
    • Order Gillette Gear
    • Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press
    • Become a Gillette Ambassador
    • United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota
    • Advocating for Your Family
    See more ways to get involved at Gillette
  • Ways To Give
    Donate Now
    Contact the Foundation

    learn about ways to give

    Learn

    • Upcoming Foundation Events
    • How to Fundraise for Gillette
    • The Impact of Your Support

    give to gillette

    Give

    • Donate Online
    • Find an Employer’s Matching Gift
    • Donate Stocks, Bonds or Other Assets
    • Donate Items

    lead through giving

    Lead

    • Friends of Gillette Society
    • Plan Your Legacy
    Learn more about the Gillette Children’s Foundation
Gillette Children's Print Logo

Visit our COVID-19 Page for the latest on our response efforts. Call 651-290-8707 for an appointment. 

Mateo, Gillette epilepsy patient

Kids Health Matters
Topic: Giving

Home / Kids Health Matters / Giving
Giving

From Scared to Prepared: Child Life Specialists Make a Difference at Gillette

Child life specialists provide evidence-based, developmentally and psychologically appropriate interventions aimed at reducing fear, anxiety and pain during medical treatment. Recently, through the establishment of the Delta Air Lines Child Life Fellowship Fund, Gillette was able to expand the capacity of the child life program through a fellowship position.
Jan. 13, 2021
Giving

Two Gillette Doctors Release a Book to Help Shape Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Research

A new book edited by Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare orthopedic surgeon, Tom Novacheck, MD, and clinical scientist, Michael Schwartz, PhD, is intended to be a resource for health care providers and scientists to improve the lives of people who have cerebral palsy and mobility challenges. “We hope this new book is a blueprint for the next five years of research and clinical care to help people who have cerebral palsy,” Novacheck says.
Jan. 8, 2021
Giving

It’s More than a Doll: The Value of Seeing Yourself in the World

In a time where many may feel disconnected, the providers at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare are going out of their way to remind our patients and their families that we see them and that their inclusion matters. This is happening in a variety of ways, but let’s start with a girl named Mari and her new doll.
Dec. 13, 2020
Giving

Tune In and Make a Difference – KS95 For Kids Radiothon

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!
Dec. 10, 2020
Giving

Not All Heroes Wear Capes, But Colton Does 

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. 
Nov. 30, 2020
Giving

The Marvelous, Mountain Biking Mari

With her shock of blonde hair blowing in the wind, Mari laughs while flying down the trails on her mountain bike and has aspirations to conquer the monkey bars at her local playground. These athletic feats become all the more impressive when you consider the fact that Mari was born missing nearly all of the fingers on her right hand.
Aug. 12, 2020
Giving

When Life Hands You COVID-19…Make a Virtual Lemonade Stand

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.
Jul. 16, 2020
Giving

Kids Health Heroes

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.
Apr. 23, 2020
Giving

Creating Community from a Distance

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.
Mar. 26, 2020
Giving

Puppies with Purpose: The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

“It’s just so wonderful to watch these children get better. It’s also very rewarding to see the connection that forms between the children and my dogs. They become friends.”
Feb. 24, 2020
Giving

Gillette Assistance Program (GAP) Changes Lives

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.”
Nov. 7, 2019
Giving

Helping Gillette Families One Cup of Lemonade at a Time

Police officers, postal workers, kids and politicians are drawn to Joe Carr's lemonade stand to raise money for Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. Joe is a Gillette patient and uses his considerable charm and social media skills in his quest to make sure ALL kids have access to great health care.
Jul. 31, 2019
Giving

Friends, Food and Celebration at the 4th Annual Mauer and Friends Kids Classic

Twenty-five Gillette patients and their families, a dozen professional athletes and many corporate sponsors took to Target Field on June 14th for the 4th Annual Mauer and Friends Kids Classic.  
Jun. 19, 2019
Giving

Gillette Foundation Lands Generous Grant That Will Help Expand Our Spine Program

The Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation awarded Gillette a generous grant to help expand Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare’s spine program. This is the largest grant we’ve ever received.
Dec. 19, 2018
Giving
Group photo of Gillette patients at TCF field during Mauer event

Sports, Fundraising and Fun at the Mauer and Friends Kids Classic

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.
Jun. 26, 2018
Giving
Gillette volunteer Kalpana

Gillette Volunteers Spread Goodness

Volunteers at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare help patients and families feel more relaxed. Volunteer Kalpana Parsons says,“The best part of my day is when I can get a patient to smile!"
Apr. 17, 2018
Giving
Gillette patient tries out adaptive bike during bike expo

Smiles for Miles at Pedal in Place and the Adapted Bike Expo

Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare hosted two successful events aimed at helping kids of all abilities know the joy of riding a bike.
Mar. 20, 2018
Giving

Minnesota at its Best, Sled Hockey for Children who Have Disabilities

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.”
Feb. 22, 2018
Giving
Photo of teams during pedal in place event

You Can’t Buy Happiness, But You Can Buy a Bike

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.
Feb. 13, 2018
Giving
Gillette patient Kaidyn with therapy dog at Gillette.

Help Fund Animal-Assisted Therapy at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

“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.”
Nov. 16, 2017
Giving

Therapy Two-A-Days: Connor Tackles Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury

Tall, red-haired and boisterous, it’s not a surprise to learn that Connor plays on the football team back in North Dakota, or that he’s pretty popular.
Sep. 5, 2017
Giving
Kelsey, leaning against wall after yoga practice

Kelsey Teaches Yoga, Defies Disability

Kelsey's attitude is so affecting, she says that most people don’t notice at first. Kelsey was born with a radial club hand, and her left arm is significantly shorter than her right. This means that when she’s instructing yoga—perhaps the most public of exercises—she’s essentially doing most of it, one-handed.
Jul. 28, 2017
Giving
A Gillette patient enjoys eating a Blizzard.

Eat Dessert First on Miracle Treat Day

One of the sweetest fundraisers of the year is coming soon. On Miracle Treat Day, a portion of Dairy Queen Blizzard Treats sold are donated to Gillette. Learn how Miracle Treat Day is just one example of the generous support Gillette receives from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Jul. 26, 2017
Giving

Mom’s Love and Family’s Gratitude Inspires Planned Gift

"We did this to honor Mom and Jim,” says Jean Burkhardt of her family's gift to Gillette. Learn how this Minnesota farm family discovered Gillette in the 1960s and how a mom's love for her son led to a generous donation.
Jul. 24, 2017
Giving
Gavin takes his new adapted bike for a spin

A Shiny Red Bike for Gavin, Just in Time for Summer

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.
Jul. 20, 2017
Giving
Heather and Kaidyn Micek at Walk and Roll 2017

Gallery: Friends of Gillette 3k Walk and Roll

On June 4, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare families and supporters gathered at Como Park to walk, roll and have a blast—all while raising funds to help purchase communication devices and sports equipment for children who have disabilities.
Jun. 8, 2017
Giving

Bon Voyage: Former British Guard to Bring Boat to Gillette Before Setting Sail

Join us at noon, Monday, May 1, as Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare’s favorite expat and former British royal guard, Richard Lett, will be bringing his sailboat to the hospital.
Apr. 28, 2017
Giving

Former British Royal Guard Sails Solo to Raise Funds for Gillette Kids

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.
Feb. 21, 2017
Giving

A Legacy of Strength and Smiles

As a child in the 1940s, Lyn Baier traveled with her mother by bus from the family farm in southwestern Minnesota to the old Gillette building near Lake Phalen in St. Paul. She spent months away from home getting treatment for her deformed right leg.
Sep. 28, 2016
Giving

Maddy’s Life Without Barriers

Maddy’s mom describes her as “a warrior” — and rightly so. Maddy has spina bifida. But she also has much more: extraordinary compassion, a keen sense of humor, and a vibrant personality. Meet Maddy and learn why she’s excited to represent Gillette during the Walk & Roll 3K on June 18, 2016.
Apr. 26, 2016
Giving

Honoring Our Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

April 10 marks the beginning of national volunteer week, and as we reflect on the work done by our volunteers over the past year, it becomes clear that they deserve a round of applause. In 2015-16, 306 of the weekly volunteers logged more than 12,000 hours over the course of their 4,000 visits to serve.
Apr. 13, 2016
Giving

Volunteer Ambassadors: Using “The Force” of Empathy to Improve the Patient Experience

“When I was a kid in the hospital, the nurses and registration staff remembered my name when I’d do my check-ups, and that always made me feel welcome. It’s incredible to think that now I’m on the other side of the desk recognizing families by name…it’s come full circle.” –Ed Jenkins
Apr. 11, 2016
Giving
Andrew Haldeman is a patient at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.

Surprise Diagnosis Inspires Teen’s Gift to Gillette

When Andrew Haldeman needed emergency surgery after breaking his arm during a wrestling match, his anesthesiologist noticed something unusual. Learn how the discovery proved lifesaving, and why it inspired Andrew to give back to Gillette.
Mar. 10, 2016
Search Kids Health Matters
Search Kids Health Matters

Subscribe

Stay "in the know" with our Kids Health Matters e-newsletter!

Receive the latest stories and news from Gillette delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe to the Kides Health Matters E-Newsletter
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Send Page in an email
  • Print Page
    • Awards and Achievements
    • Brain Injury and Concussion
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Child and Family Services
    • Craniofacial
    • Disability Advocacy
    • Epilepsy and Seizures
    • Gait Analysis
    • Gillette on the Job
    • Giving
    • Meet Us Monday
    • My Gillette Story
    • Neurology and Neurosurgery
    • Orthopedics
    • Patient Stories
    • Pediatric Trauma
    • Rare Conditions
    • Rehabilitation
    • Research and Innovation
    • Safety and Wellness
    • Spina Bifida
    • Spine and Scoliosis
    • Uncategorized
    • Pediatrics
    • Psychology
    • Dentistry and Orthodontics
    • Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Patient Access
    • Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press
    • brachial plexus
    • acute flaccid myelitis
    • COVID-19
    • Trust Your Instincts: A Craniosynostosis Journey
    • Safe Winter Fun During COVID-19
    • From Scared to Prepared: Child Life Specialists Make a Difference at Gillette
    • A Conversation with Peter Kim, MD
    • Two Gillette Doctors Release a Book to Help Shape Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Research
    • No Helmet, No Slide: Wear a Helmet While Sledding, Because Your Brain Matters
    • What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means to You and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
    • My New Year’s Resolution For Now and Always: Being Courageous for My Daughter
    • January, 2021
    • December, 2020
    • November, 2020
    • October, 2020
    • September, 2020
    • August, 2020
    • July, 2020
    • June, 2020
    • May, 2020
    • April, 2020
    • March, 2020
    • February, 2020
    • January, 2020
    • December, 2019
    • November, 2019
    • October, 2019
    • September, 2019
    • August, 2019
    • July, 2019
    • June, 2019
    • May, 2019
    • April, 2019
    • March, 2019
    • February, 2019
    • January, 2019
    • December, 2018
    • November, 2018
    • October, 2018
    • September, 2018
    • August, 2018
    • July, 2018
    • June, 2018
    • May, 2018
    • April, 2018
    • March, 2018
    • February, 2018
    • January, 2018
    • December, 2017
    • November, 2017
    • October, 2017
    • September, 2017
    • August, 2017
    • July, 2017
    • June, 2017
    • May, 2017
    • April, 2017
    • March, 2017
    • February, 2017
    • January, 2017
    • December, 2016
    • November, 2016
    • October, 2016
    • September, 2016
    • August, 2016
    • July, 2016
    • June, 2016
    • May, 2016
    • April, 2016
    • March, 2016
    • January, 2016
    • More Archives
    Scroll to see more

MyGillette Patient Portal

Access medical records, pay bills and view upcoming appointments.
Log In to Your Account
Learn more about MyGillette

Subscribe

Stay up to date with what's going on at Gillette by subscribing to our newsletters.
Newsletter Signup


First Name
Last Name
Email

Give

As a not-for-profit hospital, Gillette relies on supporters like you. Thank you!
Donate Online Now
See other ways to support Gillette
Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
200 University Avenue East. St. Paul MN 55101
  • Visit us on Facebook
  • Visit us on Twitter
  • Visit us on Youtube
  • Visit us on Pinterest
  • Visit us on Instagram
  • Kids Health Matters

Call

  • Patient Appointments

    651-290-8707 / 800-719-4040
  • Provider Referrals & Consultations

    651-325-2200 / 855-325-2200
  • Main Phone Number

    651-291-2848 / 800-719-4040
  • Speak to a Telehealth Nurse
    (Existing Patients Only)

    651-229-3890 / 800-719-4040

Locations

Twin Cities

  • St. Paul Campus
  • Burnsville Clinic
  • Maple Grove Clinic
  • Phalen Clinic

Greater Minnesota

  • Baxter Clinic
  • Bemidji Clinic
  • Duluth Clinic
  • Willmar Clinic
  • Gillette Mankato Clinic
  • Other Greater Minnesota Locations

Other Links

  • Blackbaud Security Incident
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Research
  • For Medical Professionals
  • Refer a Patient
  • Media Inquiries
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
  • Legal Notices
  • Accessibility
  • Site Map
  • Site Credits
© 2021 Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.