Their support has reached our tiniest newborns, our growing toddlers, our school-aged children, and our teens fighting to get well. It has lifted families in crisis, strengthened our caregivers, and filled our hallways with comfort, healing, and possibility.

Kosair for Kids has become woven into the very fabric of our pediatric services. Their commitment is not only seen in equipment and upgrades. It is felt in the relieved sighs of parents, the steadying hands of nurses, the quiet tears of gratitude, and the joyful laughter of children who finally feel safe.

Our journey together began with a cooling blanket system that saved newborn lives. When moments mattered most, this technology protects fragile infants in the NICU and at PMC, providing stability and warmth needed to survive their first hours of life. Parents who stood helplessly beside incubators now have stories of hope to tell because Kosair for Kids decided that the smallest children deserved the greatest care. Countless families have felt the weight of fear turn into relief because of this powerful investment.

Their generosity next brought distraction therapy gaming equipment to hospitalized children. A child who is hurting or afraid can suddenly feel empowered, comforted and brave. These gaming systems turn fear into resilience, transforming long days into ones filled with moments of joy and hope, providing emotional relief, healing and dignity while preserving childhood experiences during times of vulnerability, anticipation and pain.

Kosair for Kids also expanded experiences beyond our hospital walls through inclusive playground equipment at the Appalachian Valley Autism Center. The AVA Learners are experiencing the freedom and friendship every child deserves. This gift has created a place where children of every ability feel valued and included, a place where healing happens in laughter and movement.

Their support has also strengthened the Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Center with advanced equipment, inspiring children to grow, learn and reach milestones once thought impossible. Therapists see progress every day that is directly connected to Kosair’s kindness. Children speak new words, take new steps, build new confidence and discover new independence because the children across the Bluegrass State deserve the very best.

And most recently, Kosair for Kids helped us surround our most fragile newborns with life-sustaining warmth through the gift of three Panda Warmers. These warmers cradle premature babies with steady temperature, gentle light and constant monitoring. They offer not only comfort but a fighting chance; a chance for parents to hear that first cry, to hold their baby close as they take their first breath.

Together, these grants form a story far deeper than financial support. They tell a story of humanity and heart. Each gift has rewritten what is possible for children in Eastern Kentucky. Every piece of equipment holds the weight of their belief that children matter, no matter where they are born or what challenges their families face.

Kosair for Kids has given us the ability to stand beside families during the hardest days of their lives and offer more than hope, offering compassion, solutions and lifesaving care. They have helped us lift children from fear into comfort, from uncertainty into progress, and from vulnerability into strength.

The impact of Kosair for Kids is not only measured in numbers or charts. It is measured in beating hearts, tiny hands gripping a parent’s finger, smiles returning to faces, and futures protected. It is measured in love. For every life touched, every milestone reached and every family given another chance, we are profoundly and forever grateful.

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For decades, families across eastern Kentucky faced immense challenges accessing neonatal intensive care services. That changed when PMC opened its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which has since expanded to meet the growing need for specialized infant care. Today, PMC’s Advanced Level II NICU can treat up to 16 infants, providing vital, life-saving care to some of the region’s most fragile patients.

“These Panda Warmers are so much more than medical devices,” said Kayla Amburgey, Clinical Manager of Women’s & Children’s Services. “They represent hope, comfort and a healthy start for our tiniest patients. Thanks to Kosair for Kids, we can continue to provide the highest level of care to every newborn, receiving warmth, stability and critical monitoring during their most vulnerable moments.”

The Panda Freestanding Warmers feature cutting-edge technology, including advanced thermoregulation, full resuscitation capability and SpO₂ monitoring all in a single, efficient design. Their innovative “Hourglass Heat Profile” provides uniform warmth across the mattress while keeping caregivers cool and comfortable. With this advanced technology, newborns are cared for in the safest, most effective environment possible.

As the only hospital in the region offering specialized neonatal care, PMC serves an estimated 450,000 residents across a 50-mile radius, including 100,000 children. The hospital is a not-for-profit healthcare organization and a designated Critical Shortage Facility located in a Medically Underserved Community in the Appalachian region.

Since the expansion of the NICU in 2020, doubling capacity from 8 to 16 incubators, PMC has continued to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and professional expertise to meet the increasing demand for neonatal and pediatric services. The addition of these warmers assists newborns, whether born prematurely, facing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), or experiencing other medical complications, in receiving immediate, specialized care close to home.

“Kosair for Kids has been a steadfast partner in our mission to provide world-class medical care for families in eastern Kentucky,” said Donovan Blackburn, President and CEO of Pikeville Medical Center “Their generosity allows us to expand critical services, strengthen our pediatric infrastructure, and give every child in the Bluegrass State the best possible start in life.”

As PMC continues to grow, the partnership with Kosair for Kids stands as a powerful example of how collaboration and community support can change lives. Together, they are helping the smallest patients receive the biggest gift of all: a chance to thrive

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The Panda Freestanding Warmers will be utilized immediately upon birth to provide a warm, controlled environment that supports neonatal transition from the womb to life outside. These warmers play a vital role in stabilizing newborns who require close monitoring, respiratory support, or resuscitation during their first moments of life. By maintaining precise thermoregulation and offering integrated monitoring and resuscitation capabilities, the warmers allow care teams to respond quickly and effectively when seconds matter most.

Due to the mobility of the Panda Warmers, they can be strategically placed to provide optimal care, maximizing the impact. The Panda Warmers can be found in Labor and Delivery, where they support routine and high-risk deliveries, and within the Pediatric Wing of the Emergency Department, where infants presenting with acute medical needs can be immediately stabilized. Once stabilized, infants may transition seamlessly to the NICU or remain under close observation as their condition allows, reducing delays in care and improving outcomes. The addition of these warmers enhances family-centered care by providing infants with immediate, comprehensive support while keeping families close during critical moments.

This investment reflects PMC’s ongoing commitment to providing advanced, compassionate care close to home. Pikeville Medical Center is deeply grateful to Kosair for Kids for making this advancement possible and for their continued dedication to improving the lives of children and families across the region. Together, PMC and Kosair for Kids are helping newborns, no matter where or how they enter our care, receive the safest, strongest start possible.

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This initiative is a beautiful and thoughtful way to support families during one of the most challenging experiences they may face—the stay of their newborns in the NICU. The initiative provides much-needed relief and comfort by offering care bags filled with essential items. This practical assistance helps alleviate some of the daily stresses accompanying such a difficult journey, allowing parents to focus on their infant’s care without worrying about the little things.

The NICU Family Support Initiative aims to offer families practical assistance and emotional comfort during this stressful and uncertain time. Through the generous support of the Little Giraffe Foundation, the initiative will provide essential family care bags filled with critical items that will help alleviate some of the daily challenges of NICU life.

Amanda Santoro, President and co-founder of the Little Giraffe Foundation, expressed her excitement about supporting the PMC Foundation’s efforts: “We are pleased to support Pikeville Medical Center in its efforts to improve the lives of sick children and their families. This grant represents hope for families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of caring for their newborns in the NICU.”

Donovan Blackburn, President and CEO of Pikeville Medical Center, spoke to the significant barriers many families face in Eastern Kentucky. “At Pikeville Medical Center, we believe that every family deserves to be supported and empowered during their NICU journey,” said Donovan Blackburn. “We are thrilled to provide resources that help families feel cared for and focused on what matters most—their child’s recovery and growth.”

The NICU Family Support Initiative is just one of the ways PMC continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to families in the region. The grant from the Little Giraffe Foundation will significantly enhance the support offered to NICU families in Eastern Kentucky, helping them navigate this challenging chapter with more peace of mind and resources,

For more information about this initiative or to learn more about the Foundation’s efforts to support NICU families, call or email VP of Grant Development Lisa Kendrick at (606) 213-5723 or lisa.kendrick@pikevillehospital.org

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PMC’s Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Center was born out of a commitment to address the geographical barriers and economic strains faced by families seeking critical therapy services for their children. In response to these challenges, PMC embarked on an ambitious expansion project in 2021 within PMC’s Physical Rehabilitation. The results can be seen in enhanced outpatient therapy services for children throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Establishing the multi-sensory stimulation area significantly advances therapeutic care for pediatric patients. This innovative space will be designed to provide a holistic approach to therapy tailored to the unique needs of each child. By creating a calming environment during therapy sessions, the multi-sensory stimulation area promotes patient satisfaction, smoother transitions, and the development of self-regulation techniques, ultimately expanding children’s attention spans. Moreover, the area catalyzes social interaction, communication, motor control, coordination and physical exercise, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of pediatric patients.

“This grant from Kosair for Kids represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive and accessible care to children in Eastern Kentucky,” stated Donovan Blackburn, PMC Chairman, President and CEO. “The multi-sensory stimulation area underscores PMC’s commitment to nurturing the growth and development of pediatric therapy services within our community.”

AS PMC continues to prioritize this initiative and enhance pediatric services in Eastern Kentucky, the establishment of the multi-sensory stimulation area within the Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Center at PMC marks a crucial step toward comprehensive, holistic and accessible care for pediatric patients in the region. PMC remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing pediatric therapy services and improving the lives of children throughout the region. With this bold initiative, PMC continues to set a new standard of excellence in pediatric therapy, inspiring hope and transforming lives.

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The team at the Eastern Kentucky Advanced Women’s Care Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is led by seven OB-GYN physicians that make up the largest on-call, board certified OB-GYN team in Eastern Kentucky. This experienced team of physicians is supported by a dedicated and compassionate team focused on all aspects of women’s health including well screenings, family planning, menopausal care, pregnancy and postpartum care as well as minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries and more.

For mothers-to-be who are navigating the journey of pregnancy, the Eastern Kentucky Advanced Women’s Care Center guides patients through this incredible chapter of life. Pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming, and the team at PMC strives to provide the support patients need every step of the way.

PMC’s skilled obstetricians manage the various stages of labor, delivery and postpartum care, working closely with mothers to ensure safe and comfortable birthing experiences and employing medical interventions when necessary.

Where they are going to give birth is vitally important for women to consider as they choose an OB-GYN physician to care for them during their pregnancy. Having access to a NICU is critical in the event the baby requires medical attention at birth. For this reason, PMC offers the region’s only Level II Advanced Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). PMC’s two experienced neonatologists specialize in caring for infants born prematurely or with medical conditions that require immediate attention. The NICU at PMC can care for babies born as early as 28 weeks and weighing as little as 2.6 pounds, keeping more families together in the event these life-saving services are needed.

The comprehensive care provided by PMC obstetricians, neonatologists and their dedicated support staff ensures that pregnancies are monitored with precision, deliveries are safe and newborns receive the support they need for a healthy start in life.

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A labor and delivery unit is a place filled with anticipation, hope and the magic of new life.  At the Eastern Kentucky Advanced Women’s Care Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC), patients are surrounded by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, from experienced obstetricians to compassionate nurses who guide them through this incredible chapter of their lives. Pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming, and this committed team at PMC strives to provide the support patients need every step of the way.

The spacious, comfortable birthing suites are designed to provide a comforting atmosphere, encouraging relaxation during the process of welcoming a new life into the world. With more than 18,000 babies delivered at Pikeville Medical Center over the last 20 years, patients can trust that when the miraculous moment finally arrives, they will be led through the process with expertise and care.

From cutting-edge technology and advanced pain management techniques to the compassion shown to each individual patient, the Eastern Kentucky Advanced Women’s Care Center is one of the most innovative in the area. Home of the region’s only Advanced Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), it is equipped to treat babies born as early as 28-weeks without having to transfer the newborn to a different facility for care.

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Nestled in the foothills of a picturesque landscape of beautiful mountains in the heart of Appalachia is the Appalachian Valley Autism (AVA) Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC). The AVA Center emerged from an inspiring story as a beacon of hope for families and children navigating the labyrinth of ASD. Simple, everyday, mundane tasks can become monumental hurdles for children diagnosed with Autism. Play is the language and foundation of childhood, a powerful tool that can transcend mere amusement yet is the cornerstone of learning and development. For children diagnosed with Autism, the significance of natural play takes on an even greater dimension.

Creating environments conducive to unstructured play is crucial for growth and comprehension. Multi-sensory stimulation areas can serve as invaluable areas where children not only play but also learn the fundamental skills of life. These spaces offer more than just swings and slides; they serve as a learning tool or a classroom. The typical playground setting at school during recess can be overwhelming, overstimulating and very stressful; therefore, providing AVA learners with a natural environment such as a specially designed Multi-Sensory Stimulation Area provides a therapeutic landscape where they can learn, thrive, and flourish.

Aligned with the support and advocacy for children diagnosed with ASD, every step towards inclusivity and accessibility represents monumental strides in the Bluegrass. The multi-sensory stimulation area made possible through the funding from the Kosair for Kids grant represents far more than mere recreational space. It embodies a sanctuary designed to facilitate the unique needs of children with Autism by providing a safe and comfortable area where they can learn, grow, and reach their highest potential.

Through the Kosair for Kids grant, the multi-sensory stimulation playground becomes a symbol of community support and dedication to nurturing the potential in every child, regardless of their unique challenges. By recognizing the essentiality of tailored environments, Kosair for Kids has empowered families and medical professionals with an imperative tool that fosters growth, communication and emotional well-being for children diagnosed with ASD. This impact extends far beyond its physical boundaries; It signifies a shift in understanding and accommodating the diverse needs of children with Autism.

Through collective efforts and compassionate initiatives, children can access these spaces created to help them learn, grow and thrive, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future in Eastern Kentucky. PMC and the AVA Center would like to extend their gratitude and thank Kosair for Kids for their continued support, generosity, vision and unwavering commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of these remarkable AVA learners.

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The Pikeville Medical Center Foundation (PMC Foundation) is pleased to announce that a $170,000 commitment from the Community Foundation of Louisville’s Nora Redman Fund has progressed with three key Pikeville Medical Center initiatives. This generous gift, which will be paid over three years, provided funds for the Appalachian Valley Autism (AVA) Center, PMC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the PMC Healthy at School Telehealth Initiative.

A portion of these funds has allowed PMC to complete the AVA Center’s 3rd Floor Renovation Project, providing much-needed space to combat the long waitlist for those ages 2-12 in need of life-changing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy. The AVA Center provides therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and our goal is to identify children at the earliest signs of detection. PMC’s multi-disciplinary teams offer families unrivaled expertise in understanding and meeting the needs of toddlers and children with autism and related challenges.

“We appreciate the Nora Redman Fund at the Community Foundation of Louisville for recognizing the need for the AVA Center. Our goal is to be the region’s leading expert on autism and developmental assessment and intervention, providing the highest quality, comprehensive clinical support for children and families navigating from diagnosis through treatment and growth,” said Donovan Blackburn, PMC President and CEO.

With another $10,000 of these funds, the PMC NICU has recently purchased a GE Panda iRES Warmer, helping to keep the tiniest babies’ bodies warm through temperature regulation. The innovative recessed heater in the Panda Warmer allows physicians and medical staff to interact with the neonates while still allowing their bodies to maintain heat.

An additional $10,000 will support PMC’s Healthy at School Telehealth Program, providing access to medical care in school for many students who otherwise would have little to no access.

“We should see several more announcements this year,” said Executive Director of PMC Foundation, Andrew H. Scott. “We want to see much more in philanthropy so that our region’s children have access to quality care close to home.”

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