Skip to main content
×
  • 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
I want to ...
    Search Gillette Website
    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
      Select menu dropdown arrow
      Select menu dropdown arrow
      Select menu dropdown arrow

      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
      • Patient Safety & Quality
      • 2018 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

      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 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

      Your Visit

      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

      Your Visit

      Prepare for Your Visit

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

      Your Visit

      During Your Visit or Hospital Stay

      • 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
      • Celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness
      • Raise Spine Awareness
      • Raise Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness
      • Join Friends of Gillette
      • United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota
      • Advocating for Your Family
      See more ways to get involved at Gillette
    • Ways To Give
      Donate Now
      All Ways to Give to Gillette Children's Foundation
      • Why Give to Gillette?
      • Contact Us About Giving

      Help Us Reach Our Goal

      Current Initiatives

      • Donate Stocks, Bonds or Other Assets

      Attend a Fundraising event for Gillette

      Fundraise for Gillette

      • Attend an Event
      • Create a Fundraising Page
      • Have a Fundraising Idea?

      More Ways to Give

      More Ways to Give

      • Find an Employer's Matching Gift
      • Donate Items to Patients
      • Make a Planned Gift
      See all the ways to give to Gillette Children's Foundation
    Gillette Children's Print Logo
    Mateo, Gillette epilepsy patient

    Kids Health Matters
    Topic: Giving

    Home / Kids Health Matters / Giving
    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

    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
    • Topics

      • Awards and Achievements
      • Brain Injury and Concussion
      • Cerebral Palsy
      • 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
    • Recent Posts

      • Many the Miles: Deep Brain Stimulation Gives the Gift of a Son
      • Holiday Travel Tips for Children Who Have Special Needs
      • The Miracle of Owen
      • Gillette Assistance Program (GAP) Changes Lives
      • Dog Treats Mean Business for Teen Who Has CP
      • Words Can Break Your Heart
      • A Cerebral Palsy Odyssey that Culminates in St. Paul, Minnesota
      • Twice the Hope for Help with Cerebral Palsy
    • Archives

      • 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
      • 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



    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
    • Minnetonka Clinic
    • Minnetonka Therapies
    • Phalen Clinic
    • Greater Minnesota
    • Baxter Clinic
    • Bemidji Clinic
    • Duluth Clinic
    • Willmar Clinic
    • Gillette Mankato Clinic
    • Other Greater Minnesota Locations
    • Other Links
    • Contact Us
    • Careers
    • Research
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Refer a Patient
    • Media Inquiries
    Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
    • Legal Notices
    • Accessibility
    • Site Map
    • Site Credits
    © 2019 Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare

    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