St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Foundation

06/19/2026

“The gratitude of our patients is something that drives us every day.” For Dr. Jeremy Ringewald, pediatric interventional cardiologist at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, caring for children with complex heart conditions isn’t just a profession; it’s a calling.

Having performed more than 6,000 heart catheterizations, he’s witnessed countless moments of relief, hope and healing. While the work can be stressful and the diseases can be challenging, it’s the simple “thank you for making me feel better” that stays with him.

That gratitude fuels his purpose and reminds him why he chose this path. We are so grateful for physicians like Dr. Ringewald, whose skill, compassion, and dedication make a life-changing difference for the families we serve every day.

06/18/2026

We’re excited to announce Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Holiday Fashion Show! Their generous support makes this fashion-forward event possible and creates a meaningful impact on our programs, facilities, team members, and, most importantly, the women and families cared for by St. Joseph's Women's Hospital.

Tables are filling fast for this beloved Tampa Bay tradition. Guests can look forward to standout fashion, festive entertainment, and a mix of live and silent auction items all coming together for a stylish holiday celebration not to be missed.

To learn more or reserve your table, please visit: https://www.sjhfoundation.org/news-events/featured-events/fashion-show/

06/17/2026

On New Year’s Eve 2023, 16-year-old Olivia Wiggins was driving home when a drunk driver struck her vehicle. Critically injured, Olivia spent weeks recovering after regaining consciousness at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

“There were days when they weren’t sure she would make it,” recalls her mother, Crystal. “But I knew she was strong.”

Throughout her recovery, Olivia’s family remained by her side while care teams at St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital worked closely to support every step of her healing. Doctors, nurses, and staff ensured that both Olivia and her family received compassionate care during an incredibly uncertain time.

As Olivia regained strength, outpatient speech and physical therapy marked a turning point in her recovery. She credits her therapists for their patience and encouragement as she rebuilt her abilities at her own pace.

“I loved my therapists,” Olivia shared. “They were kind, supportive, and helped me believe I could keep going.”

The care she received made it possible for Olivia to return to school, graduate in 2024, and look forward to milestones once thought out of reach, including celebrating her 20th birthday this June. 💙

To read Olivia's full story, please visit: https://www.give2stjoeskids.org/olivia-wiggins-a-future-restored-because-of-st-joes/

06/16/2026

St. Joseph's Hospital - North recently hosted a two-day Career Camp for students entering 9th and 10th grade, offering a hands-on introduction to a variety of hospital careers.

Students explored multiple departments, heard from clinical staff, and participated in interactive experiences across areas such as surgery, nursing simulation, radiology, maternity, pharmacy, rehabilitation, and more. The program is part of a broader BayCare Health System summer initiative designed to inspire the next generation of health care professionals.

06/15/2026

Julian’s story is a powerful reminder that healing goes beyond medical treatment and that the team at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital supports families every step of the way. 💙

Diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 10, Julian has faced countless procedures, hospital stays, and treatments, including multiple surgeries and over 50 days in the hospital last year alone.

Through it all, the Child Life team, which is dedicated to helping patients navigate the stress of hospitalization, turned tough days into moments of comfort and joy, decorating Julian’s room, bringing games and activities, and ensuring he felt like more than just a patient.

Today, Julian is stronger, back on the honor roll, and playing travel baseball as he heads into his senior year of high school.

Melissa, his mom, shared,“To watch my son enjoy life, even while managing his medical issues, is a blessing. We are forever grateful to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and Child Life for making it possible.”

🎅 Brighten the season for families like Julian’s during Christmas in July:

Your support of our annual Christmas in July donation drive makes it all possible. One of our most treasured events, the Christmas in July donation drive, gives our Child Life Team the resources they need to deliver smiles and a much-needed boost to the extraordinary kids being cared for at St. Jose...

06/12/2026

From a young age, Dr. Carlos Abanses knew he wanted to become a physician. After experiencing several health challenges as a child, he was inspired to help other kids facing similar difficulties. His passion deepened when he shadowed his soccer coach, who was also a doctor, sparking a lasting commitment to medicine and caring for children.

Today, as a pediatric emergency medicine physician at the Steinbrenner Children's Emergency and Trauma Center at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, Dr. Abanses is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to every child he treats. He emphasizes that while there are always challenging days, it is the moments of recovery and positive impact that stay with him and continue to inspire his work.

His story reflects the heart of pediatric care, helping children heal, grow, and thrive. 💙

06/10/2026

From sharing their story at the St. Joseph’s Children's Hospital Foundation Heroes Ball to advocating on Capitol Hill, the Hartnett family continues to inspire us. 💙

After sharing their journey with our community, Mikey and his family spent the day in Washington, D.C., meeting with members of Congress and advocating for what matters most: protecting Medicaid coverage for children and ensuring access to lifesaving, cutting-edge cancer care.

Join us in thanking the Hartnett family and Mikey, as they continue making a difference for children and families everywhere.

06/09/2026

A sweet gesture with a big impact! Thanks to the generosity of Tampa-area Panera Bread bakery-cafes, owned by Covelli Enterprises, more than $23,000 was raised through the Valentine cookie promotion to benefit and support the Patel Heart Institute at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

Thank you to Panera Bread and our community for showing what kindness (and cookies) can do!

06/08/2026

Emery’s story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change—and how extraordinary care at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital can support patients and their families. 💛 Emery was just 14 months old when what started as a stubborn fever rapidly escalated into severe pneumonia, sepsis, and toxic shock syndrome.

Her condition became critical, and she was airlifted to St. Joseph’s for emergency pediatric care. Under the hospital’s expert team, Emery was placed on ECMO life support as doctors worked urgently to stabilize her. During her two-month stay, Emery underwent multiple critical procedures but demonstrated steady improvement. Step by step, she came off life support and started to regain strength, surrounded by a team that supported both her and her family through every moment. Today, Emery is home, healthy, and back to being a joyful toddler. Her family credits St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for their quick action, expert care, and unwavering compassion that saved their daughter’s life.

🎅 Help make the season bright for families like Emery's during this year’s Christmas in July: https://stjosephschristmas.org/

Community Care Preserving and enhancing the tradition of medical excellence and compassionate care provided to kids and families at the largest Children's Hospital in West Central Florida. Learn More Community Care Preserving and enhancing the tradition of medical excellence and compassionate care p...

06/04/2026

For Dr. Grant Geissler, his commitment extends well beyond the walls of the operating room. It is about forging lifelong bonds at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital.

He recalls, “I have photos from the wedding of a patient I operated on as a newborn. Years ago, I joked with her family about being invited, and they remembered that I was there.
Experiences like that remind me that our work is not just about saving lives, but about shaping lifetimes.”

As a BayCare Medical Group pediatric surgeon and medical director of children’s surgery at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Dr. Geissler has developed enduring connections with families, often caring for patients from their very first day of life and celebrating their achievements years later. He considers this a true privilege, always mindful that the effects of compassionate care last far beyond a single procedure.

Physicians like Dr. Grant Geissler leave an indelible mark on every child and family they serve, and we are deeply thankful for their dedication. 💙