Lurie Children's Heart Center

03/16/2026

❄️ Snowy days in Chicago have us day‑dreaming about sunnier skies and all we learned last month in Scottsdale, AZ 😎
Our Heart Center team loved attending Cardiology 2026 – the 29th Update on Pediatric and Congenital Cardiovascular Disease. Grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and bring the latest advances back to the Lurie Heart Center!

03/14/2026

Happy Pi Day! 🥧➗

We’re celebrating with a slice of brilliance from Dr. Woo, who’s showing how we use π to power cardiac imaging and better understand the tiniest hearts. ❤️

03/12/2026

Every Thursday in the Cardiac Care Unit, a developmental play group for patients and their caregivers meets with a new theme. This week: 🦖 Dinosaurs!!!

The CCU Developmental Play Group is a weekly space created to foster positive developmental and social experiences for patients. Whether it’s singing, reading, dancing or playing, every activity intentionally promotes progress in patients’ cognitive communication and fine motor skills, as well as improves bonding between kids and their caregivers. Many participants are long-term patients awaiting next steps after a heart failure diagnosis or a transplant with support from a Ventricular Assisted Device (VAD). The play group gives them a chance to socialize and play on a regular basis during their hospital stay.

This group of focused fun is led by:
🗣️Sarah Hahn, Speech Language Pathologist
🎵Grant Hales, Music Therapist
🧩 Betsy Giovanini, Occupational Therapist
🧸Kelly Zonghetti, Developmental Nurse Specialist

03/10/2026

A few weeks ago, our Project ADAM team attended a DePaul University Men’s Basketball game to promote CPR and AED awareness in the community.

Teaching lifesaving skills wherever people gather, because you never know when you might save a life!

03/10/2026

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the strength, compassion, and resilience of women everywhere. 🩵

At Lurie Children’s Heart Center, women are at the heart of everything we do. From our incredible doctors and respiratory therapists to our social workers and advanced practice providers, these dedicated professionals care for some of the bravest hearts we know — our patients.

Every day, they witness extraordinary courage, support families through the toughest moments, and help our patients keep fighting with resilience and hope. Their compassion doesn’t just heal hearts — it inspires them.

Today, we celebrate the women who lead with skill, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the children and families who trust us with their care. And we celebrate the resilient young patients whose courage reminds us why we do this work every single day.

Here’s to strong women, brave hearts, and the power of care.

03/06/2026

A big thank you to Nick Foligno for the kindness and generosity he’s shown our patients and families through special visits to the CCU at Lurie Children’s. His compassion and encouragement always brings smiles, hope, and unforgettable memories to so many. As he moves on from Chicago, we wish Nick and his family all the best!

02/02/2026

Happy Heart Month! Why are YOU celebrating Heart month this year? Share a photo or your story below!

Why are YOU celebrating Heart month this year? Share a photo or your story below!

01/23/2026

01/09/2026

The Heartsong Choir is now enrolling!
This unique research study from the Bienen School of Music and the Lurie Children’s Heart Center explores how structured singing and music instruction may support breathing and overall well-being in heart warriors with complex congenital heart disease.

Designed for children and teens with Fontan circulation or those who have had 2+ sternotomies and/or thoracotomies, the program is led by expert vocal instructors alongside pediatric cardiology-focused clinicians, physical therapy, and exercise physiology teams. Sessions are offered in person and virtually.

🎵 Ready to raise your voice with us?
👉 Learn more and sign up https://research.luriechildrens.org/en/clinical-studies-search/fontan-choir-singing-as-therapy/

12/25/2025

A beautiful way to honor the legacy of our late colleague, Nancy Koster. 💙 We are deeply grateful to Nancy’s family for continuing her spirit of kindness by bringing joy and comfort to patients in the Cardiac Care Unit through Nancy’s Stockings. Her compassion lives on in every smile she inspires!

Dozens of volunteers spent the weekend stuffing stockings with thoughtful and curated gifts for patients at Lurie Children's Hospital.

12/11/2025

Go Marshall!

12/03/2025

Two incredible nurses. One tiny heart. Big clarity. 💗

Fetal nurses Amy & Nicole break down newborn circulation to help you feel confident and supported as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

You’re part of our heart family — we’ve got you.