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advancing Care for Kids

Caring for Kids at Sanford Children’s in Sioux Falls

Every day, a local child’s life is changed forever by an injury or unexpected diagnosis. But thanks to philanthropy, hope and healing are close to home at  Sanford Children’s Hospital, the region’s only Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital where more than 250 pediatricians and specialists collaborate across 35+ specialties, supported by pediatric research, clinical trials and programs that care for kids beyond their medical needs.

 

With your support, we can give each child the best chance for a bright, healthy future. 100% of every dollar raised stays local to support services like child life and spiritual care, assist families with meals, lodging, travel and other costs not covered by insurance, provide lifesaving equipment and so much more.

 

Enhancing Local Pediatric Care

As our region’s largest nonprofit pediatric health care system and the region’s only CMN hospital, our work is only possible thanks to friends like you. Every dollar you give stays local to make the biggest difference for our littlest patients at Sanford Children’s Hospital. See some of the ways gifts of every size are making a difference.

 

Billion Pavillion

Our unique park and respite area in front of the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, was funded fully through donations. It includes accessible play equipment for pediatric patients, a covered picnic shelter, a caterpillar climber, spring rider, patterned path routes, an oodle swing, sound arch, physical therapy steps, planting gardens and more.

The Boekelheide Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

As the only Level IV NICU in the region, the Sanford Boekelheide NICU provides the most advanced newborn care for the region’s most fragile and critically ill babies, born as early as 22 weeks. The Boekelheide NICU is also a member of the National Institute of Health’s Neonatal Research Network — one of only 15 sites in the country dedicated to advancing newborn care. 

Truman’s Closet

Truman’s Closet at Sanford Children’s Hospital honors the memory of Truman James Pins and the spirit of the joy he inspired in so many. This space, funded entirely through philanthropy, houses hundreds of dress-up costumes and accessories, paired with large mirrors, specialty lighting and sound effects to bring kids’ imagination to life.

The David H. and Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department

South Dakota’s first and only pediatric emergency department was made possible thanks to local donors, including a significant lead gift from local philanthropists David H. and Christine Billion. Located at the Sanford USD Medical Center, this space is home to the state’s only fellowship-trained pediatric emergency specialists, experts who are on hand 24/7 to deliver lifesaving pediatric care when every second matters.

Selah Sanford Health Foundation

Meet Selah

The 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion for Sanford Children’s in Sioux Falls

Like most two-and-a-half-year-olds, sweet and spunky Selah Barrett had battled her share of colds, coughs and stuffy noses during her short life. So when she got sick in October 2022, her parents, Adam and Mateja, initially did what they always did — they gave her extra snuggles, kept her hydrated, encouraged her to rest and watched her closely.

 

But Selah’s symptoms worsened and within days, she was fighting for her life against a rare, aggressive form of necrotizing pneumonia. The odds were stacked against her, but thanks to lifesaving care from Sanford Children’s Hospital, Selah survived.

 

Giving in Action

See how giving comes to life for the most vulnerable among us. Together, we can give every child the bright and healthy future they deserve.

Every Gift Means a Healthier Future

Gifts of every amount add up in big ways to support everything our patients need to get back to being kids — all at no cost to families, including:

 

  • Child life visits to help ease kids’ worries through education, therapeutic play and more. This includes teaching coping strategies, developing personalized care plans and incorporating healthcare‑themed play tools — such as pretend vein finders, blood pressure cuffs, IV lines and chemotherapy ports.
  • Direct patient and family assistance to provide financial assistance with treatment-related costs not covered by insurance like meals, lodging, mileage reimbursement, specialty formulas, medical supplies and more.
  • Spiritual care to provide comfort, prayer, and support to families of all faiths through our on-site chaplains, offering peace during uncertain and emotional times.
  • Child Voice, a nationally accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, to provide evaluation, advocacy and healing for children who may have been victims of abuse or neglect.
  • Kids’ Kitchen to support families beyond the Castle walls with food, fresh produce, diapers and hygiene items, thanks to a partnership with Feeding South Dakota.
  • Summer Camps for kids with cancer and other complex illnesses to experience the healing power of connection, joy and belonging at one of our two special programs — Camp Bring It On and Spirit Camp.

 

Emma's Photo: Living Beyond Pediatric Cancer

Make Miracles Happen

100% of your gift helps care for kids and families by supporting everything — from specialists who understand kids’ developing bodies and minds to equipment, technology and services for every age — from newborns to teens. Help us make miracles possible for kids in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.

 

Make a Gift Today

Sioux Falls Children’s Stories

Read our stories to meet extraordinary local kids and families whose lives have been changed, for good, by the generosity of supporters like you.