On Thursday, June 16, three Gillette Children’s employees were honored as Health Care Heroes. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal hosted the event that put a spotlight on Twin Cities individuals who put innovation, care, dedication and compassion to work to improve the human condition. 

Gillette Children’s has an advocacy team whose mission is to make sure children, especially children with disabilities, are not overlooked as state and national lawmakers create the legislation that shapes our lives.  

Gillette Children's embarked on a project to show the world, especially prospective employees, what makes the hospital special. The project turned into a beautiful community collaboration that celebrates the magic of Gillette.

Nurses are the backbone of care at Gillette Children’s. For 125 years this hospital has served as a pioneer in caring for children with complex brain, bone and movement conditions. Technology and innovation have allowed Gillette Children’s physicians and care teams to unlock so many medical mysteries, but one thing has remained the same – the unique dedication and impact of nurses at Gillette. 

The Paralympic Games are underway in Beijing, China. More than 650 athletes are competing with five Para athletes from Minnesota. These Games are an opportunity to highlight people successfully living with a disability. "Pure Grit," a book from Gillette Children's Healthcare Press, echoes this theme and changes the preconceived notions about what is possible for people who have a disability.

Music therapy helps manage pain, helps a child adjust to a hospital environment, provides positive emotional experiences, and promotes comfort and relaxation.

The 12th Annual Gillette Children's Adaptive Ski Day was an opportunity for children who have disabilities to discover the thrill of downhill skiing. Marcie Ward, MD, is a Gillette pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician and says these adaptive sports events bring joy and can transform children and families.

Self-proclaimed sushi fanatic, and a singer who has performed with Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson says if he was a better test-taker he might not be the new vice president of operations and chief operating officer for Gillette Children's. Thomas Harris, Jr. says his main focus is to make the Gillette experience smooth and enjoyable for families and staff.

The emotional stories, the positive energy and people pulling together for a great cause are all part of this year’s KS95 for Kids Radiothon at the Mall of America on Dec. 10. This on-air radio fundraiser benefits Gillette Children's and M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.