La Rabida Children's Hospital

Responding with care. Supporting with compassion. That's the message these advocates are taking with them as they continue to help communities heal after acts of violence.

La Rabida Chicago Child Trauma Center (CCTC) led a trauma-informed care symposium, training local Community Violence Intervention (CVI) groups who provide crisis response in the aftermath of gun violence.

Theresa V., clinical director of the CCTC, led the program through an interactive approach, teaching CVI specialists healing, resilience, and recovery strategies.

“We are grateful to share what we have learned clinically as therapists treating complex trauma in the community,” says Theresa. “We are fortunate to bring so many CVI professionals together to apply that knowledge to create larger systemic changes that enhance effective community violence intervention.”

Thank you to our sponsoring partner, Cook County Government Justice Advisory Council, for making this event possible.

These two are taking small bites and making big breakthroughs!

Eddie, 6, and Jerwaun, 4, are both charting a new course toward food exploration through colors and textures in La Rabida’s newest outpatient feeding therapy program, Little Rainbow Explorers.

Just weeks ago, Eddie could only tolerate drinking nutritional shakes as his main source of nutrition. Jerwaun ate some fruits and “beige” foods, like chips and crackers.

Now, Jerwaun uses an orange to show Speech-Language Pathologist Liz B., just how much fun he’s having. Across the table, Eddie uses food-related pretend play with a toy mouth to show Senior Speech-Language Pathologist Olivia H. how he likes to explore his bright red strawberries.

Thank you to The Philly Baer Foundation for supporting our program!

🔗🍊🍓Read more about the sensory steps they took in the latest edition of Currents! https://bit.ly/4xRuJCh

Congratulations to La Rabida's former President & CEO, Brenda Wolf, on receiving the Illinois Health and Hospital Association’s Ruth Colby Excellence in Leadership Award for her distinguished healthcare leadership in the state.

For more than 35 years, Brenda worked tirelessly to strengthen La Rabida and champion a child- and family-centered care model. We are grateful for the incredible legacy of service and leadership that continues to impact our community, our patients, and their families.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3TlZyB4

In celebration of 130 years of La Rabida Children’s Hospital and 40 years of the Friends of La Rabida Gala, we proudly honor the remarkable individuals previously recognized throughout the Gala’s history.

Join us for the 40th Gala this November as we celebrate past honorees who have helped us advance our mission and provide care for every child who needs us.

Don’t miss this year’s special Friends of La Rabida Gala; visit our page to purchase tickets: larabida.org/gala

Fred Berglund, Dunkin' Joy In Childhood Foundation, Brian Gaspardo, Polk Bros. Foundation, Alvin H. Baum Family Fund, Ariel Investments, Grainger, Peggy & William Gann, ABC 7 Chicago, The Walt Disney Company, Andrea Zopp, Lisa Burik, Randy Markowitz, Richard M. Burridge, Christine O'Reilly-Riordan, John Gyann, Scott C. Swanson, Chicago Sky, Drew Horowitz, ComEd, The Kutchins Family: Rebecca Kutchins Fund, Z Scott, Christopher and Sheila Kennedy, Donald R. McNeeley. Ph.D and Chicago Tube & Iron, Kwame Raoul, The Reinsdorf Family, Sharing Notes, Drs. Cheryl and Eric Whitaker, Earl Jones and Clear Channel Media & Entertainment Chicago, Dan Real and Susan Real, Jesse Ruiz, Michele, Jonathan, and Benjamin Ruiz, Bob Arthur of Magellan, Joseph Gregoire, James H. Wooten, Jr., Gary Brinson, CFA, CVS Caremark, Former Secretary of State Jessie White, Joli Burrell, Honorable John Cullerton, Vincent Foglia, Maria Pinto, James C. Tyree, Merri Dee, Kimberly Van Kampen Boyer, Morris Elstein, Ken Menconi, Launa Thompson, Judith Byrd, Jaye Morgan Williams, Lyle Logan, Howie and Frankie Alper, Cheryl Procter-Rogers, Jennifer Page-Hale, Mary Anne Bobrinskoy, and Linda Johnson Rice.

We are proud to share that La Rabida Children’s Hospital has been recognized on Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2027 list in pediatrics for the sixth year in a row.

This recognition would not be possible without our patients and families, who trust us to provide best-in-class care and inspire us every day.

We are grateful to our La Rabida team members whose dedication to quality, safety, and compassion makes this care possible.

Changes are coming to Medicaid. Stay connected by keeping your contact information up to date.

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will notify members who may be impacted by the upcoming Medicaid changes.

Learn more: https://getmedicaidfacts.com/

La Rabida’s Corporate Advisory Board member Jack Trager and Newmark Group revved up the engines for a purpose in its annual Drag Race event this summer.

“Both organizations know what it takes to go the distance as a team, and both are built around caring for the whole family and their journey, not just the finish line,” says Jack Trager, CAB member. “That's what made this event such a natural match, and we're grateful to everyone who helped wave the checkered flag in support of La Rabida's mission.”

Thank you to racers, fans, and teams who supported the event and, in turn, our children and families.

La Rabida provides best-in-class comprehensive medical care to nearly 500 pediatric patients every year, making us one of Illinois's largest sickle cell programs.

In recognition of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, our care team joined families in the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois (SCDAI) Walk-Jog-Bike-A-Thon to raise awareness and hope.

“Every patient with sickle cell disease carries a warrior’s strength,” says Dr. Wendy Darlington, medical director of La Rabida’s sickle cell disease program. “Our passion is to stand beside the patient and family – not just to manage their disease and symptoms but to protect their joy, their milestones, and their future.”

Come stop by and see us at our table!

🩺 Healthier Men. Stronger Families. Better Communities.

Cook County’s 3rd District invites residents and families to attend the 6th Annual Men’s & Families’ Health & Resource Fair!

This free community event will connect men and families with important health screenings, wellness resources, expert guidance, and services designed to help everyone take an active role in their health.

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 New Life Covenant Southeast
7621 S. Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619

Attendees can take advantage of health screenings, PSA screenings, health and fitness training, mental health services, dental care and vision resources, neurological screenings, Teen Talk, an Ask the Doctor panel, FREE giveaways, raffles, resources, and more!

🎥 Watch the special Health Fair message and learn why taking charge of your health matters:
https://youtu.be/vqPPhihevgI

Bring your family, invite a friend, and join the 3rd District for an evening dedicated to healthier men, stronger families, and better communities.

📲 Register today using the QR code on the flyer!