Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

11/13/2025

We are happy to share this short video featuring Mary Bridge Children’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) patients answering the question, “what’s my favorite thing about myself?”

Our three words to describe them are resilient, hard-working and playful.

Showcased at A Wider Lens film festival, this footage was lovingly captured by the PM&R team to highlight the voices, confidence, and joy of these remarkable kids.

The festival is hosted and sponsored by the PM&R team to celebrate the stories and perspectives from individuals with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities. This heartfelt initiative ensures these kids and their families feel truly seen and celebrated. It’s about building community beyond clinic visits and therapy sessions, creating space for connection, storytelling, and belonging.

11/12/2025

For Iris, the Beads of Courage program positively influences how she sees and tells her cancer story.

Developed by a pediatric oncology nurse in 2003, the program uses colorful beads to represent each step of a child’s serious illness journey, from tests, scans and needle pokes to chemotherapy, immunizations, radiation and more. Special beads in between celebrate acts of courage, accomplishments and milestones.

The result is an ever-growing strand, which gives the patient something to physically hold on to during tough treatment sessions.

Beads of Courage is a donor-enabled program celebrating kids' medical journeys and obstacles they've overcome, bead by bead, since 2012.

11/10/2025

That nagging cough you just can’t shake might be more than a lingering cold symptom. It could be a sign of whooping cough.

Here’s how to spot the signs of whooping cough, how to prevent it and what to do if you think you have it.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is on the rise. Learn how to recognize symptoms, prevent infection and get treatment for this contagious respiratory illness.

11/07/2025

The term “ear infection” can mean different things depending on which part of the ear is affected. Knowing the difference can help parents get proper treatment for their child’s ears.

Locate the source of your child's ear pain for faster relief from ear infections, fluid build-up, and other otolaryngology issues.

11/05/2025

“The days are long but the years are short” — it’s a saying that’s often used to describe how parenthood feels. Yet most parents will tell you that recent years have been anything but fleeting.

The unrelenting pressure many parents feel as they juggle the competing demands of family, home and career isn’t disappearing.

Find out why your mental health matters and what you can do to make it a priority in your life.

Parental burnout isn't an individual risk, its family-sized. Try these doctor-recommended mental health tips to restore patience and balance.

11/03/2025

Alexander Pereira is a gaming technology specialist embedded within Mary Bridge Children’s Child Life team, using interactive tech to help young patients heal, cope, and feel like kids again.

The role was made possible through a two-year grant from Child’s Play, a Washington-based charity that delivers therapeutic games and technology to pediatric hospitals to improve patients’ lives through the power of play.

Video games in the hospital aren't distraction-only. Our adaptable gaming program helps youth heal, connect, and get back to being kids.

10/31/2025

Planning for our annual Halloween costume party in our Level IV NICU is just another example of the compassionate and personalized care our team provides every day.

One NICU mom craved Subway throughout her pregnancy, up until her baby was born at 24 weeks. Knowing her baby would be in the NICU during Halloween, she wanted the costume to carry personal meaning. One local Subway gifted supplies with real sandwich paper to help build the costume.

Another sweet moment involves our two golden KPop Demon Hunter twins. Their older sister is dressing up as Rumi for Halloween and wanted her baby sisters to match. Two amazing NICU nurses stepped in and came up with a creative plan to make it happen.

Thank you to our team of caregivers and creative magic-makers for the comfort you provide, the milestones you celebrate, and the joy you bring to our patients and their families each and every day.

Photo credit: Caitlyn Grace Photography

10/30/2025

You won’t boo-lieve how adorable these little ones are! 👻

At the Mary Bridge Children’s NICU, our tiniest future trick-or-treaters received handcrafted Halloween costumes made by our incredible nurses. This heartwarming tradition creates special memories for families during their stay.

Thank you to our extraordinary NICU nurses for your unwavering dedication and compassion for littlest patients.

Photo credit: Caitlyn Grace Photography

10/29/2025

Join us for a powerful lineup of films that inspire, educate, and promote understanding and inclusion. The Wider Lens Film Festival is a celebration of stories and perspectives from and about individuals with intellectual, physical, and/or developmental disabilities. Our goal is to bring visibility to and celebrate these members of our community.

Join us Saturday, November 8 at The Grand Cinema.

🎟️ https://multica.re/3JxInay

10/28/2025

While imaginations run wild, there are steps every parent and caregiver should take to keep their families safe while trick-or-treating.

“Kids are excited and easily distracted,” said Erin Summa, MPH, health promotion program manager, at Mary Bridge Children’s Center for Childhood Safety. “When it’s dark and there’s increased traffic, there’s increased risk for injuries and accidents.”

Halloween is the one day of the year when kids and grownups alike can transform into anything their mischievous minds can imagine -- from princesses and paupers to rock stars, wranglers, dinosaurs and divas.

10/24/2025

How can parents keep kids healthy during Halloween — without taking away the fun or the candy?

Colleen McMeen, RD, CD, a registered dietitian at Mary Bridge Children’s Pediatric Weight and Wellness and MultiCare’s Center for Health Equity and Wellness, encourages parents to embrace balance — not restriction.

“Don’t take away the candy,” she says. “for Halloween and other special occasions, there’s no need to count candy bars.”

She recommends that parents decide what, when, and where food is offered, while kids choose if and how much they eat. Most children will naturally lose interest in the candy after a few days. https://multica.re/4qkwsxj

10/23/2025

Thank you Spirit of Children for the Halloween fun!