Children's Mercy

11/18/2025

When your child needs care, knowing where to go matters. Our latest Parent-ish blog shares when to head to the ER and when urgent care, so you can make confident decisions in stressful moments.

Learn when to choose pediatric urgent care or the emergency room for your child’s health needs. Get the right care at the right time.

11/17/2025

🏈 💖 Football spirit was in full swing last week at Children’s Mercy with a touchdown party that brought smiles all around! Patients like Evie, Melina and others got creative to make football pillows, bracelets and each got a goodie bag — all while showing off their pride. It was a day filled with team spirit, smiles and a whole lot of RED!!

11/16/2025

We recently hosted BARE (Biliary Atresia Research and Education) “On the Road”, an event to support patients and families with biliary atresia, a rare pediatric liver disease.

Families living with BA and those navigating life after liver transplant came together to share stories, support one another, and learn from leading specialists in hepatology, surgery, psychology, nutrition and transplant care.

💛 Thanks to our Child Life team and liver nurses who created a kids camp so patients and siblings could play, connect and feel supported while caregivers and medical experts came together to share knowledge during and build community. And thank you to BARE and every family who joined us. You inspire us to keep pushing for better care, better outcomes and a stronger community.

11/15/2025

We’re celebrating 4 years of pure sweetness! 🎂 Happy 4th birthday to Dusty, our beloved who sprinkles comfort and joy around Children’s Mercy.

Kids like Emma, Carson, Nikki, Gracelyn and Allie joined in the fun with creative, pup-inspired arts and crafts.

Thank you, Dusty, for making tough days brighter and hearts lighter. 🐾 You’re truly “4-ever sweet.”

🎉 Please help us celebrate Dusty by sharing your wishes and favorite Dusty memories in the comments!

11/15/2025

Help us share the joy of the season. 🎁 Each year, generous community donations fill our Snowflake Shoppe to help brighten the holidays for those in our community. We’re now accepting donations through Dec. 15.

We’re so grateful for your giving hearts. Your kindness helps make this special tradition possible and brings smiles to kids who need it most.

Sign up to donate or view our wish list https://cmkc.link/489nD2p

11/14/2025

Join us Saturday at Print-A-Palooza for a celebration of creativity, community and compassion! 🎨✨

Explore a vibrant showcase of photo and art prints, discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats. 🍪 Every moment supports the mission of Children’s Mercy and helps make a difference for kids and families.

📅 Saturday, Nov. 15
🕒 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 Aspiria Campus (Formerly Sprint Campus)
5251 West 116th Place, Suite 200, Leawood, Kan. 66211

See you there!
https://cmkc.link/43xr14y

11/13/2025

We’re incredibly grateful to the Emilie Rosebud Diabetes Research Foundation for their generous contribution of over $85,000 in 2025 to support diabetes research at Children’s Mercy.

Your continued investment is helping fuel cutting-edge discoveries and innovative care. With dedicated partners like your family, we’re building a future of well-being for all children - and moving closer to a cure for type 1 diabetes.

A special appreciation goes out to Emilie Block, for this year’s efforts regarding her foundation’s generous donation, and for inspiring others to invest in this crucial cause; thank you for being a champion of hope and progress!

11/12/2025

🦸🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ This week, our patients suited up for a super-powered art therapy session complete with “strength shields” and buttons that showed off their brave, bold and brilliant sides. 💥🛡

With help from UMKC Music Therapy senior Isabella, whose calming acoustic sounds set the scene, kids like Gracie, Stephen, Ember and Huxley explored the traits that make them feel strong, protected and uniquely heroic.

Thanks to our mighty team of therapists, volunteers and partners who helped make this event a heroic success, because every child has a hero within. 💫

11/12/2025

Infant Formula Recall: What Parents Need to Know **Updated Nov. 14

While infant botulism is rare, staying informed can help keep your baby safe. Recently, suspected cases of infant botulism have been reported across multiple states. These cases may be linked to specific lots of ByHeart Inc. Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. No deaths have been reported, and all affected infants are receiving care.

What should you do if you are concerned your infant may have been affected:

✅ Check your formula – If you have ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, stop using it and dispose of it. This includes:
- All lot numbers
- All sizes of cans and single serve packets
✅ Clean up – Wash any items or surfaces that touched the recalled formula with hot, soapy water.
✅ Watch for these signs:
- Constipation (especially with other symptoms)
- Weak cry or poor feeding
- Loss of head control
- Trouble sucking or swallowing

If you notice more than 1 of these symptoms, please seek medical care immediately.

For more details and updates, visit the CDC or our Children’s Mercy website here: https://cmkc.link/3LB10Lp

11/11/2025

🩺✨ “I’m so happy. This is my first time. It’s my wish to be a bone doctor!”

11-year-old Caoimhe, who lives with a rare condition called progressive hereditary spastic paraparesis, stepped into the operating room at Children’s Mercy… not as a patient, but as a surgeon for the day. 💙

With her custom embroidered lab coat and floral scrub cap, she joined Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Kathryn Keeler and the orthopedic team to perform a mock surgery on a mannequin named Teddy Beary. From prepping the OR to leading the procedure, Caoimhe’s dream came to life in a way that was built just for her.

We’re thrilled Caoimhe could have this experience. Creating special moments to fulfill the hopes and dreams of every child is what makes our team so special. Because when care is designed with kids in mind, anything feels possible.

Read Caoimhe's full story here: https://cmkc.link/443d66l

11/09/2025

You may have heard we’re enhancing pediatric care in the Springfield, MO. area. 😀 We’re excited to share that Debbie Schwartzkopf is now leading the new partnership between Children’s Mercy and Mercy Hospital Springfield Communities. With 30+ years of nursing and leadership experience, Debbie is passionate about bringing top-notch care to Springfield kids — right when and where they need it.

When she’s not working to improve care for kids, she loves exploring new breakfast spots with her husband, relaxing with family, and adventuring outdoors — especially anywhere with water or mountains.

We’re so glad to have Debbie guiding this journey to help build something special for Springfield families. We can’t wait to share more with you.