As pediatric hospitals across the country have coped with an influx of RSV, influenza and COVID-19 cases, the situation at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in downtown Indianapolis has been no different. In an effort to spread holiday cheer and express appreciation, members from the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Indiana University School of Medicine personally delivered festive boxes of donuts and handwritten “thank you” notes to the nurses and staff facing demanding conditions.
The mission of the Wells Center is to increase the knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of pediatric disease; develop innovative approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of those diseases; and create an outstanding learning environment for the next generation of researchers. The Center’s dedication to groundbreaking pediatric research would not be possible without its strong partnership with Riley Hospital, a national leader in child health care.
“Even though the Wells Center’s main focus is research, we truly believe we are one team with the clinical staff on the frontlines at Riley Hospital,” shared Benjamin Gaston, MD, professor of pediatrics and principal investigator at the Wells Center. “Sharing thanks to the hardworking nurses and personnel who support our mission and ensure Hoosier children stay healthy was another way for us to reinforce our solidarity.”
Several faculty, staff and trainees from the Wells Center generously donated funds to help make the season sweeter for all of Riley’s nursing units. More than 500 donuts were delivered on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.
Wells Center members preparing for deliveries: (Left to right) Johnny Krasinkiewicz, fellow, Laura Oxford, business manager, Jackie Maupin, communications generalist, Karrie Tolbert, pediatrics administrator, and Benjamin Gaston, MD, professor of pediatrics
