Riley Children's Health

02/21/2026

Eighth-grader Dom Bowman, 14, was experiencing back pain and a burning sensation in his legs last month. He was taken to IU Health North hospital where he was examined and treated, then was transferred to Riley Hospital for Children. Doctors determined that he had experienced a stroke within his spinal cord and that there was a chance Dom would not walk again. Within the first week of hospitalization Dom started regaining feeling in his legs and was able to stand up. After about two weeks he started taking steps. Now, after three weeks of treatment, physical therapy and occupational therapy Dom can walk unassisted. Friday afternoon Dom was working with PT Taylor Allison with some help from his dad, Tim Bowman. Dom’s mother is Julie Bowman. Using a weight assistance device on rails for safety Dom maneuvered over an obstacle course designed to improve his balance, stability, coordination and leg strength. He also worked on dribbling a ball while walking within the rehabilitation area. Tim Bowman said that Dom is shocking people with the progress he has made, and that he is looking forward to playing baseball gain. Dom’s baseball skills allow him to play four positions: pitcher, catcher and first and third baseman.

02/20/2026

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. One of the most severe complications a patient can suffer from is a stroke.

At Riley Children's Health, more than 75% of patients with SCD receive annual screenings for stroke which leads to early detection of this complication. Riley patients with SCD are able to receive transcranial doppler screenings from Dr. Christopher Jackman, pediatric neurologist, during their routine appointments in the sickle cell clinic, removing barriers such as transportation, lack of knowledge of this testing, and avoidance due to extra time needed to schedule and attend an additional appointment.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. One of the most severe complications a patient can suffer from…

02/20/2026

Kirsten Reyes receives a DAISY for her work with patients and families in the Riley Allergy and Immunology Clinic.

02/19/2026

16-year-old Trason Fish lights up Riley's inpatient rehab unit, just as he did during his prior extended stays. Trason suffered a ruptured brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in 2016 when he was just 7 years old. He and his family spent several months inpatient at Riley as Trason worked to heal from the rupture.

Sadly, Trason's AVM in his brain grew back. Specialists in Indiana helped connect Trason and his family with a doctor in Germany who specializes in performing deep vessel embolizations. Trason was set to have a potentially life-changing procedure performed in November 2025 in Germany, but a bleed from the AVM halted those plans and rerouted him back to Riley.

Trason then suffered a stroke in December. Now, he and his family await next steps - whether those are here in Indiana or in Germany.

As he works to recover and heal, Trason and his family find strength in their faith and in the love and support they've received from the care teams at Riley.

"When you spend weeks to months at Riley you begin to become family," Brandie Fish, Trason's mom, said. "From nurses to therapists to other patients walking their journey, you're reminded you're not alone. They care enough to walk the journey with you."

02/19/2026

As part of Ash Wednesday, Chaplains Alberto Adorno and Jessica Torres-Torres and the Office of Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy Services offered ashes to team members, patients, and families during two service times. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday. ⛪

02/18/2026

A panel of experts from IU Health and Riley Children’s Health discuss the importance of heart health at all ages and how to find out if you could be at higher risk.
-via WTHR-TV

A panel of experts from IU Health and Riley Children’s Health discuss the importance of heart health at all ages and how to find out if you could be at higher risk.

02/18/2026

One-month-old Leilani Solis is comforted by her mom, Amaly Solis, while she waits for her feeding in the Heart Center at Riley Hospital for Children. Leilani is a popular Hawaiian name that means heavenly flower. She was born in Fort Wayne last month and transported to Riley when she was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a combination of heart defects that include a ventricular septal defect (hole in the heart) and pulmonary stenosis. She will undergo surgery when she gets a little bigger, but for now, mom is enjoying snuggle time with her little girl and looking forward to a visit from the rest of her family this weekend.
--mgilmer1@iuhealth.org

02/17/2026

Eleven-year-old MaKayla received donor stem cells from her sister after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia.

Eleven-year-old MaKayla received donor stem cells from her sister after being diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia.

02/16/2026

Fishers parents are grateful for the lifesaving care their little boy received.

Riley Children’s Health provides access to pediatric primary and specialty care across Indiana, including at Riley Hospital for Children in downtown…

02/14/2026

The Riley Hospital for Children Child Life Zone hosted a Valentine’s Day/100 Days Until the Indy 500 celebration Friday afternoon. Doug Boles, president of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as Firehawk, the Firestone mascot, entertained patients while they played games and worked on Valentine’s Day-related crafts. The newly-renovated CLZ offers a more interactive play area for patients and their families to enjoy learning while playing. The reopening of the CLZ was celebrated on Feb. 3. The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24.

02/14/2026

Our NICU Nest team showed extra love to our families in the NICU today with Valentine's Day treats! There's no shortage of sweetness on our units with the tiniest patients. 💘

02/13/2026

Elyas Willis, six weeks old, was enjoying some quiet time with his mother, Emily Willis, at Riley Hospital for Children Thursday afternoon. He was in that comfortable state where he was mostly asleep, but he was still keeping tabs on things happening around him. Despite being so young Elyas is already very expressive with his fascial expressions. His cheeks pinched upwards displaying his smile, and he has been known to roll his eyes from time to time. He is in the Simon Family Tower NICU receiving care which includes 24-hour dialysis for his kidney. Elyas was born with only one kidney and has had some complications with his lungs. His breathing is much better now. As he continues to improve he is expected to be able to go home where he can be set up to receive 8-10 hours of dialysis while he sleeps. In the meantime he continues to enjoy being held, spending time with his parents and listening to Emily sing to him.