Corewell Health Children’s in Southeast Michigan

02/11/2026

At nearly 24 weeks pregnant, Olivia and her husband learned their daughter had a heart defect and Down syndrome.

“At first, I struggled with her diagnosis greatly,” Olivia shared. “I grieved that we wouldn’t have the child we envisioned when we found out I was pregnant.”

When Sutton was born, everything changed.

“She was exactly how she was supposed to be,” Olivia said. “I couldn’t imagine her any other way.”

Sutton spent 32 nights in the NICU and underwent two heart surgeries after birth.

Olivia and her husband are so grateful for Dr. Dr. Ahmad Suleiman, pediatric cardiology, and his team. ""We owe a lot to them,"" she says.

After a whirlwind year and a half, she is now thriving.

“She is the happiest and funniest baby,” Olivia said. “We are so lucky and grateful that she is ours—and that she is healthy.”

Looking back, Olivia wishes she could tell herself during those difficult moments of pregnancy just how much joy was ahead.

“I wouldn’t trade our story for anything.”

02/11/2026

At our recent Student Heart Check, 140 students received screenings. Of those:

❤️18 students were advised to follow up with their physician and were cleared to continue sports.
❤️1 student was advised to pause sports pending a cardiology evaluation.

Early detection matters. Screenings like these provide peace of mind for families and an extra layer of protection for young athletes.

Our next screening will take place on Saturday, May 9. Learn more: https://corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/heart-and-vascular/student-heart-check

02/05/2026

The Big Game came early at Corewell Health Children’s in Royal Oak!🏈

We were thrilled to welcome 10 former NFL players who showed up strong with smiles, laughter, and Basket of Hope baskets filled with stuffed animals, toys, and gift cards. From friendly board games to card games, they spent the day making big plays off the field: Lifting spirits and making memories.

Huge thanks to Tim Walton, Eddie Murray, Martel Webb, George Jameson, Luther Bradley, Stan Edwards, Rod Jones, and Maurice Harvey for visiting and bringing joy to our patients, families, and team members. 💙

01/30/2026

Bilal Ahmad suffered sudden cardiac arrest during his freshman orientation last year.

Despite lifesaving efforts, he passed away.

To honor Bilal’s life, students at Troy High School (Troy School District) invited Jen Shea, manager of Corewell Health Children’s Student Heart Check, to train student leaders in CPR and AED use, empowering them to teach their peers and help save lives.❤️

Student Heart Check events are free and designed to identify students who may be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest through heart and vascular screenings for youth ages 13–18.

Help protect a student you love. Register for our next Student Heart Check on Feb. 7: https://corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/heart-and-vascular/student-heart-check?fbclid=IwY2xjawPpesJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyNlBGRE1pdFpxdEgwdml3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr-9RC-DdZ4P13R0SGRQiAvvaye7PoS3AWBNh2s3eC-hxzbT1vlopHWvUtsa_aem_LPwUl_AMj0fMcptXOgqVqw

01/22/2026

21,000 hearts.

That’s how many students we’ve screened so far through our free Student Heart Check.

It began in 2007 when cardiologists and care team members came together to create a community screening program aimed at identifying students who may be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.

The program offers free heart and vascular screenings for students ages 13–18, including:

🔵 Echocardiogram
🔵 EKG
🔵 Blood pressure check
🔵 Vascular health evaluation

We partner directly with schools to schedule clinic dates throughout the year, and schools work with families to help students get registered.

The next Student Heart Check takes place Saturday, Feb. 7. Learn more and register here:
https://corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/heart-and-vascular/student-heart-check

01/07/2026

The holiday season may be over, but our gratefulness continues. Thank you to Magic of Lights for your thoughtful donation last month! They dropped off 300 plush unicorns, 400 teddy bears, and 700 kids cups to be dispersed to our patients. These will be well-loved by many!🧸🦄💙

12/23/2025

Did you miss it on NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas last night? Here is the full video sharing the nightly tradition that brings lights and smiles to children and families at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak.

Are you local? Tonight, December 23rd, is the last night of Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams if you're able to join! It starts at 8:00pm. Please arrive 15-20 minutes to find parking and meet at the hospital's east entrance.

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers and employees who made this tradition possible this year.

12/23/2025

Tonight is the final night of Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams, and this is why it matters:

Vito is an incredibly brave 8-year-old. He was born with Goldenhar Syndrome. While recovering from his 23rd surgery, he recently experienced the magic of this beloved community event.

“Vito kept telling me how happy he was while seeing Moonbeams,” his mom shared. “He was surprised at how many people came.”

Outside, Vito’s dad stood with family and FaceTimed him so he could see everyone who came to shine their lights just for him, including friends, classmates, teachers, school staff, and Bloomfield Township Fire Department.

There were posters for Vito and a ‘Vito!’ chant, resulting in many happy tears.

"As a mother, it was beyond touching to see how many people came out to support him," his mom said. “It can feel very lonely for us to often be in a hospital for surgeries and appointments."

You're invited to help kids like Vito and their families feel less alone. Join us tonight at 8 p.m. outside Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak. Bring a flashlight. Bring your heart. Let’s end Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams with love, light, and community. 🌙💡✨

12/22/2025

Tune in tonight for national coverage of our Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams program! We are being featured on NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas, airing in their Good News Segment around 6:55pm tonight, Monday December 22nd.

https://www.nbc.com/nightly-news-with-tom-llamas

12/17/2025

There are only 7️⃣ nights left to join us for Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams! We don’t want you to miss the opportunity to help light up the holidays for our brave pediatric patients and their families.

We hope to see you sending beams of love and sweet dreams!🌙✨🔦 Details are below:

Date: Today through Dec. 23

Time: 8 p.m. sharp

Location: Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital

12/17/2025

“To be stuck in the hospital and feel like the world is moving on without you outside feels a little bit isolating, a little lonely, feels like maybe you’ve been forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,” said Amanda Lefkof, a child life specialist at Corewell Health.

That’s why the Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams tradition means so much to our pediatric patients and families. Each evening during the holidays, volunteers shine flashlights toward patient rooms at Corewell Health Children’s in Royal Oak to brighten the night for everyone involved.

Read more from AP about how this tradition brings comfort and connection to pediatric patients and families: https://ow.ly/6Wk150XKT40

There is still time to join us this year for Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams!
Date: Every night through Dec. 23
Time: 8 p.m. sharp
Location: Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital

A Michigan hospital is asking members of the public to raise their flashlights as well as the spirits of children during the holiday season.

12/11/2025

If you've ever attended Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams, there's a good chance Vincent Messina helped guide you into the perfect parking spot.🚗

“When I first heard about Moonbeams, I knew I wanted to help make the kids staying in the hospital happy," he said.

Vincent has volunteered since 2019, and he says the joy this event brings keeps him coming back year after year.

Even in the cold, Vincent says the reactions from the kids and their families make it all worth it.

“I know they don’t want to be in the hospital, but this event brightens up their hearts and minds,” he shares, shedding a tear.

Vincent goes on to share that the event brightens up his heart, too.

Join him and other shining stars this year at Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams!🌙✨🔦 Details are below:

Date: Today through Dec. 23
Time: 8 p.m. sharp
Location: Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital

You can view more information at https://corewellhealth.org/classes-events/southeast-michigan/moonbeams.