HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Kids can’t wait. For a vaccine. For a cure. For the curve to flatten. 

That’s the simple message Rite Aid is adopting for this year’s fundraising campaign to benefit Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and other Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In the past, Rite Aid has given Miracle Balloons to customers who donate $1 to the fundraiser for children’s hospitals. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s campaign will be a little different. To minimize physical contact in stores, Rite Aid associates will simply ask customers at check out if they want to add a dollar to their transaction to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in their communities.

This year’s campaign begins July 12, and runs through August 8. This will mark the 26^th year Rite Aid has conducted the campaign, which has raised $95 million for children’s hospitals. All funds raised at area Rite Aid stores will benefit local children treated at CHKD by funding patient care programs, equipment, and research.

Last year, CHKD received more than $100,000 from Rite Aid. Those funds support critical equipment and lifesaving care for children. This year is a critical one for CHKD and other children’s hospitals as they develop COVID-19 treatments and invest in telehealth services, personal protective equipment, and testing supplies. At the same time, critical services such as surgeries, cancer treatments, and preventive healthcare are administered with new COVID-19 precautions. 

"The ripple effects of COVID-19 have affected nearly every aspect of treatment and services for children's hospitals and without the help of caring partners like Rite Aid, many may face significant impacts in the short- and long-term," said Teri Nestel, interim president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "All dollars Rite Aid customers, associates, and supplier partners raise truly changes kids' health and changes their future in every community our member hospitals serve."

Now, more than ever, CHKD and children’s hospitals across the country need the support of their communities.

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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. Learn more at CHKD.org.

Rite Aid Corporation is on the front lines of delivering healthcare services and retail products to more than 1.6 million Americans daily. The corporation provides an array of whole-being health products and services for the entire family through over 2,400 retail pharmacy locations across 18 states. Through EnvisionRxOptions, we provide pharmacy benefits and services to approximately 4 million members nationwide. More information is available at RiteAid.com.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for hospitals that care for more than 10 million children a year across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment, and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it one dollar at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon campaigns. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support and learn about your member hospital at ChildrensMiracleNetworkHospitals.org and Facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – The Anthem LemonAid annual fundraiser arrives with a twist this summer, but the most important ingredient will stay the same: Helping CHKD kids with cancer.

This year, for the safety of everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Anthem LemonAid event will go VIRTUAL to continue our annual effort to raise money for kids with cancer throughout Hampton Roads. 

The Anthem LemonAid event will take place July 17 through August 15. We invite Hampton Roads area families, businesses, and community organizations to join us online by visiting AnthemLemonAid.com to register. 

The King’s Daughters, the founding organization of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, has teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for this critical campaign to raise awareness and funds for the fight against childhood cancer at CHKD.

New this year, Anthem LemonAid will include four interactive challenges that you can participate in with family, friends, colleagues, and more. Register online to host a virtual fundraising page, and choose to participate in one or more of our challenges. Share your fundraising page as well as photos and videos from your challenges with friends and family, and encourage them to “Squeeze the Day” as we put the squeeze on childhood cancer.

To date, Anthem LemonAid has raised more than $1 million to help kids fight cancer in Hampton Roads. Just last year, 688 LemonAid stands raised more than $95,000 for CHKD’s cancer program,  so we hope supporters will take up this virtual challenge to continue to help kids fight cancer.

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About CHKD’s cancer program

CHKD follows 500 local childhood cancer patients, ranging in age from newborns to survivors in their mid 20s. Nearly 70 new cases are diagnosed each year. The CHKD team of pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pediatric oncology nurses, and nurse practitioners provide the nation’s most up-to-date treatments through CHKD’s participation in the world’s largest cancer research consortium. Learn more at CHKD’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.

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About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliate HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.

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About The King’s Daughters
The King's Daughters, founding organization of CHKD, promotes superior pediatric wellness through dedicated volunteerism in partnership with the CHKD Health System. Membership is open to anyone who has a desire to support CHKD and uphold the mission of The King's Daughters. The Norfolk City Union of The King’s Daughters established the hospital in 1961. The King’s Daughters continues to raise funds and awareness for CHKD with over 40 Circles and 900 volunteers. More information is available at KingsDaughters.org.

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About CHKD

CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. Learn more at CHKD.org.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – As part of its ongoing commitment to support medical professionals on the front lines in Hampton Roads, Panda Express has donated 26,000 surgical masks to CHKD for protection when treating members of our community.

“On behalf of all the caregivers who work on the front lines, we are grateful for these much-needed masks from our longtime partner Panda Express,” said Teri Nestel, interim president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Panda’s generosity has never been more needed or more appreciated during these challenging times. It’s comforting to know that these doctors and nurses have the resources necessary to care for those who depend on children’s hospitals now and into the future.”

These masks are essential to ensuring the health and well-being of the hospital staff and patients. “Supporting the healthcare community has always been a priority for Panda Express, and we are blessed to have a partner with shared values of giving and inspiring better lives,” said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. “It is our privilege to be able to protect and provide comfort to the selfless hospital staff and patients at CMN Hospitals. We thank our guests and associates for their generosity and support that make these donations possible. We stand together to be stronger together.”

For the rest of the year, participating Panda Express locations are offering a 10 percent appreciation discount on in-store purchases for healthcare workers and first responders with their employment badge. Through its philanthropic arm Panda Cares, Panda Express has created a COVID-19 Community Care Fund, in which all guest donations are put towards sourcing and providing PPE to local hospitals in this time of need as well as supporting research to find a treatment for COVID-19.

For the rest of the year, participating Panda Express locations are offering a 10 percent appreciation discount on in-store purchases for healthcare workers and first responders with their employment badge. Through its philanthropic arm Panda Cares, Panda Express has created a COVID-19 Community Care Fund, in which all guest donations are put towards sourcing and providing PPE to local hospitals in this time of need as well as supporting research to find a treatment for COVID-19.

In the midst of this public health crisis, Panda remains steadfast to its evergreen mission of protecting, inspiring, and bettering the communities they serve.

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About CHKD

CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. Learn more at CHKD.org.

About Panda Express

On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express, home of American Chinese comfort food, is the largest Asian dining concept in the U.S. Family owned and operated since 1983 by co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is best known for creating a wide variety of industry-first recipes, including its best seller the Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have defined the category of authentic American Chinese cuisine. Each dish at Panda Express, including the Wok Smart® selections, is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles. The restaurant brand has more than 2,200 locations throughout the U.S. and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to more than 10 international countries. Powered by this global family of associates, Panda Cares, the organization's philanthropic arm, has raised more than $196 million and countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for more than 12 million youths as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. In 2020, Panda established the Panda Cares Scholars Program to provide the necessary funding, academic support and leadership development to help high school and college students learn, lead and thrive towards a bright future. For more information, visit pandaexpress.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds and awareness for hospitals that care for more than 10 million children a year across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay locally to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment, and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon campaigns. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support and learn about your member hospital at ChildrensMiracleNetworkHospitals.org and Facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – CHKD is pleased to welcome Jack Warburton to a new role at CHKD, vice president of mental health services.

Warburton will lead the system's delivery of evidence-based mental health services, with responsibility for all aspects of day-to-day operations. He will oversee the development of the 60-bed, 14-story mental health hospital and outpatient center under construction on CHKD’s Norfolk campus, which is scheduled to open in 2022. He also will be managing expansion of our other mental health services, and collaborating with community partners to address the mental health crisis facing our youth.

Warburton is a native Virginian, with 20 years of leadership experience in clinical program development and hospital administration. Previously, Warburton served as an active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force Biomedical Sciences Corps, providing and overseeing care for fellow service members and their families at several installations. 

He continued this service after his transition back to the private sector, in successive roles as program director and then CEO of mental health specialty hospitals in Virginia, Texas, and Georgia, where he oversaw several multi-million dollar expansion projects.

Warburton graduated from the University of Virginia with dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and cognitive science. He also holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina ­- Greensboro. He has an MBA with triple concentrations in healthcare management, leadership, and finance from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

Please welcome Warburton in this new role that will be vital to the mental health of our community’s children. 

Jack Warburton, vice president of mental health services at CHKD

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Local Walmart and Sam’s Club stores will launch an annual “Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future” campaign next week to raise funds to help kids treated at CHKD.

Customers and members can round up or donate $1 or more at the checkout lane or self-checkout at any Walmart store or Sam’s Club in Hampton Roads from June 22 to July 19.

Shoppers who buy through the Walmart app or online will also be able to donate. Just download the app or look for round up campaign information online when you pay your bill.

The annual campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises money for 170 children’s hospitals in the United States and Canada. To date, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, members, and customers have raised more than $1 billion for the network’s hospitals, including more than $12 million for CHKD.

Pediatric healthcare is underfunded across the country, and money raised at Walmart and Sam’s Club helps close the gap for pediatric hospitals. All funds raised at Hampton Roads Walmart and Sam’s Club locations directly benefit the kids treated at CHKD. Last year’s campaign raised more than $350,000 for CHKD!

Your spare change at the counter can help kids at CHKD by funding critical treatments, equipment, research, and charitable care. 

 HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Longtime pediatrician Douglas Mitchell has shifted his practice from General Booth Pediatrics in Virginia Beach to Norfolk Pediatrics. 

The change follows the retirement of Dr. Sanjay Amin of Norfolk Pediatrics after a long career in pediatrics. His practice became part of CHKD Medical Group in 2019. We thank him for his decades of service in treating children throughout the community.

Besides being a beloved pediatrician in Virginia Beach, Dr. Mitchell is the director of the CHKD Medical Group, the hospital system’s network of 20 pediatric practices in 31 locations throughout the region. He’s been with CHKD since 1992, when he joined the Center for Pediatric Research, a joint program of CHKD and Eastern Virginia Medical School. 

He’s been medical director of CHKD Medical Group since 2014, a role that includes strategic planning, quality improvement, community outreach, and program development. 

Dr. Mitchell is also director of the International Adoption and Travel Medicine program, which moves with him to Norfolk Pediatrics, 1529 International Blvd, Suite 103.

The program helps families by offering comprehensive pre- and post-adoption medical consultations and evaluations for prospective parents preparing to welcome a child from abroad into their lives.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Amin on his retirement, and welcoming Dr. Mitchell to his new location.

Dr. Douglas Mitchell, Dr. Sanjay Amin

NORFOLK, Va. – Jersiah Washington’s last day at CHKD turned out to be a spectacular one, with Spiderman swooping down to wave to him from outside the 1-year-old boy’s window.

The best part? Jersiah’s room was on the 8th floor, and Spiderman was swinging down from ropes attached to the rooftop.

Window cleaners from Valcourt Building Services sported superhero costumes to entertain the children as the employees cleaned and squeegeed the windows of the patients’ rooms earlier this week.

To keep children and their families safe from COVID-19, CHKD has limited visitors and volunteers to its facilities, so the visit by superheroes from behind a thick pane of glass was an unexpected treat, with just the right amount of social distancing.

“It’s a great experience for the kids,” said Jersiah’s mother, Sha’Qualia Nowell, who lives in Virginia Beach.

The window washers enjoy seeing the surprised looks on children’s faces.

“Sometimes they wave to us,” said Kevin Diestra, operations manager for Valcourt’s Hampton Roads office. “They’ll point and say, ‘Oh, look at that.’ It’s an aww moment.”

One-year-old Jersiah Washington gets up close and personal to Spiderman, aka Samuel De Paz, while still in the safety of the arms of his mother, Sha‘Qualia Nowell.

Window washers from Valcourt Building Services give CHKD patients a boost while getting the job done. Even superheroes wear protective face masks.

CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region.  

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – All patients who are 3 and older and developmentally and medically able to wear a cloth face covering or mask will be required to do so at CHKD practices and facilities beginning Wednesday, May 27. This requirement also applies to the parent accompanying the patient.

Universal face coverings are one step in CHKD’s efforts to keep our environment as safe as possible for everyone and to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Previously, we were providing patients and caregivers with cloth face coverings if they did not arrive with them, but we’re no longer able to keep up with the demand.

If you do not have a face mask or covering, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for these easy directions on making a no-sew cloth face covering from a T-shirt or bandana.

In addition to requiring face coverings, CHKD will continue other safety measures established in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include mandatory masking for staff members, limiting visitors to our facilities and practices, screening visitors and staff, isolating individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, and facilitating social distancing.

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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers and satellite offices throughout its service region.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – As the only pediatric surgery center in the region, CHKD is pleased to return to a full array of surgical procedures in response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s May 1 order allowing non-emergency surgeries to resume.

Although we have continued to perform urgent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will now be reaching out to patients to reschedule elective procedures that were postponed due to the statewide concern that hospitals might be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.

Fortunately, children have not been as severely affected by COVID-19 as adults. Only 1.7 percent of reported COVID-19 cases have been in children, even though they make up 22 percent of the population. Still, CHKD has put into place an extensive list of safety measures to make surgical procedures and clinical visits to our facilities safe for children and their families. These safety measures will stay in place for the foreseeable future and include the following:

• We’re screening all patients, visitors, and staff members for fever and other COVID-19 symptoms before they enter a CHKD facility.
• All CHKD staff members must wear a mask.
• We are limiting the number of visitors to the hospital, our health centers, and our physician practices.
• We are social distancing in our lobbies, lines, and waiting rooms.

In addition, we are testing all surgical patients for COVID-19 prior to surgery. If a test result is positive, we will postpone that surgery unless doing so would endanger the child. The child’s surgeon will order the test. It can be performed at CHKD’s main hospital lab In Norfolk, or the CHKD urgent care centers at Volvo Parkway, Tech Center, or Loehmann’s Plaza. Please note: CHKD urgent care centers are also offering COVID-19 tests to their patients who meet testing criteria, but they are not a walk-in testing site for the public or a referral lab.

Surgical procedures at CHKD during the governor’s elective surgery ban fell by more than 60 percent. As a result, we will extend our usual hours to catch up on these procedures to accommodate children in need of treatment vital to their health and well-being.

We know families have been diligent about sheltering in place, but we urge parents not to put off needed treatment of children unnecessarily. Delays can lead to more severe health problems, not just physically but mentally. Children with chronic health conditions also need to continue treatment to maintain the best health possible.

At our main hospital in Norfolk, we provide inpatient and outpatient surgery from the most complex operations to very minor outpatient procedures. We also offer outpatient procedures for patients by surgical specialists at our Health and Surgery Center at Oyster Point in Newport News and our Health and Surgery Center at Concert Drive in Virginia Beach.

In addition to six surgical specialties – cardiac surgery,neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and urological surgery – pediatric ear, nose and throat surgeons and eye surgeons, dentists, and dental surgeons also operate at CHKD. Every patient benefits from the extensive training and expertise of the region’s only pediatric anesthesiologists, and a full team of pediatric nurses, child life specialists, and others who create a unique surgical experience designed just for young people.

The pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses who provide care through CHKD's surgical program are committed to quality and excellence in a child-centered environment and are proud to hold a Level I Children’s Surgery Center designation from the American College of Surgeons.

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – To protect our patients and community from the spread of COVID-19, CHKD is changing its visitation policy.

Effective Friday, March 13, at noon, only two parents or caregivers will be allowed to accompany a child during hospitalization or surgery at the main hospital and outpatient facilities. No other visitors will be allowed.

No one should visit the hospital if they are sick.

In addition, we are taking extra precautions for all outpatient appointments, including appointments with CHKD Medical Group; CHKD Surgical Group; Children’s Specialty Group; CHKD mental health providers; and CHKD physical, occupational, and speech therapists. We are asking parents to call their practices and providers for special instructions before coming if the child has a fever and cough.

Thank you for helping us provide the safest possible environment for your children and community. 

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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers and satellite offices throughout its service region. Learn more at CHKD.org.