Hall Of Fame

Advocates for Children's Health

The Ambassador David M. Walters International Pediatric Hall of Fame is the hospital’s highest distinguished honor for leaders, influencers and child advocates who dedicate their lives to contributing to the health of children and families everywhere. Our inductees are passionate, driven and unapologetic in their pursuit to join Nicklaus Children’s in our vision to create a healthy future for every child.

• Mario &
  Bibiana Murgado, 2023

  

  Mario Murgado served on the Nicklaus Children's board of directors for nearly 15 years. Mario and his wife Bibiana (Bibi) are generous philanthropists and passionate community leaders who are dedicated to the hospital's bold vision of creating a healthy future for every child, because every child matters most.​

• Juan Carlos and
  Vivian Mas, 2021

  

  Juan Carlos, a Nicklaus Children’s board member, and wife Vivian are longtime supporters of the hospital who are passionately dedicated to making an impact on the health and wellbeing of children and families throughout South Florida.

• Michael Fux, 2019

  

  Nicklaus Children's Health System board chair and founder of the Michael Fux Family Center at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, which is a home away from home for our patients and families.

• Graça Machel, 2018

  

  African stateswoman whose long professional and public life is heavily rooted in the international advocacy for women and children’s rights.

• Anne Geddes, 2017

  

  World's most famous baby photographer and generous supporter of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

• Hélio Castroneves, 2017

  

  Three-time Indy500 winner as well as "Dancing with the Stars" champion and children's health advocate.

• Pitbull, 2015

  

  Globally renowned Grammy-Award winning musician, performer, business entrepreneur and celebrity ambassador to our Together For The Children Campaign.

• Romero Britto, 2014

  

  Internationally renowned pop artist, who created the logo for the Together For The Children, Campaign for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

• Juanes, 2013

  

  Grammy Award-winning Hispanic artist and global activist for peace through his foundations Mi Sangre and Paz Sin Fronteras.

• Gloria Gaynor, 2012

  

  Grammy Award-winning artist who re-wrote the iconic I Will Survive song for the Bald, Brave, Beautiful® project at Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

• Gloria & Emilio Estefan, 2011

  

  Music legends and South Florida icons whose work on behalf of children on a global scale has impacted countless lives, many times anonymously.

• Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, 2010

  

  First family of golf, champions of children's causes and partners of two Nicklaus Children's Hospital Nicklaus Centers in Palm Beach County.

• Dwyane Wade, 2009

  

  NBA World Champion, Olympic athlete, Founder of Wade’s World Foundation, friend and supporter of Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

• Beyoncé Knowles, 2008

  

  Internationally renowned recording star, actress and humanitarian. A passionate and transcendent performer committed to her deep love of music that she shares with the world.

• Mike Lowell, 2006

  

  Hometown hero, former Florida Marlins World Series Champion and supporter of children’s health issues. 

• Dr. Paul Farmer, 2006

  

  Internationally recognized founder of Partners in Health, dedicated to developing and implementing healthcare in some of the most devastated areas of the world.

• Dr. Fred J. Epstein, 2005

  

  Internationally renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and teacher dedicated to the treatment and recovery of children with brain and spinal tumors.

• Dyan Cannon, 2005

  

  Dynamic, energetic actress and committed spokesperson for children’s causes.

• Earl Weaver, 2004

  

  Former Manager of the Baltimore Orioles and generous supporter of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

• David McLean Walters, 2004

  

  Visionary and President Emeritus of Miami Children’s Health Foundation.

• Dr. George McCracken Jr., 2003

  

  Internationally recognized authority on pediatric infectious diseases.

• Sonia Manzano, 2003

  

  Played Maria on Sesame Street and Emmy-winning writer for Sesame Street.

• Kelly Preston, 2002

  

  Talented and captivating actress and activist for children’s environmental health issues.

• Dean Kamen, 2002

  

  Inventor, entrepreneur and advocate for science and technology through his FIRST program.

• Dr. Yehuda Benguigui, 2002

  

  Clinician, educator, researcher and leading force for the prevention of infant mortality.

• Susie Krabacher, 2001

  

  Creator of the Foundation for Worldwide Mercy & Sharing, bringing health and hope to children in Haiti.

• Dr. Samuel L. Katz, 2001

  

  Internationally renowned educator and researcher in pediatric vaccine development.

• Jim Kelly, 2000

  

  Retired NFL star, role model and champion of children’s causes.

• Michael Christensen, 2000

  

  Creator of Big Apple Circus Clown Unit in children’s hospitals nationwide.

• George Batchelor, 2000

  

  Outstanding philanthropist dedicated to children’s causes.

• Bill Nye, 1999

  

  "The Science Guy," innovative teacher and patron of children.

• Dr. Robert A. Good, 1999

  

  Pioneer of bone marrow transplantation.

• Eunice and Sargent Shriver, 1998

  

  Creators and supporters of the Special Olympics.

• Anthony Kennedy Shriver, 1998

  

  Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International.

• Dr. Aldo R. Castaneda, 1998

  

  Pioneer of innovative pediatric cardiac procedures.

• John Schneider, 1997

  

  Performing artist and Co-founder of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®.

• Bianca Jagger, 1997

  

  Champion for human rights and children’s causes.

• Dr. Robert M. Blizzard, 1997

  

  Pioneer and leader in pediatric endocrinology.

• John Walsh, 1996

  

  Defender of missing and exploited children.

• Dr. Antonia Novello, 1996

  

  Pediatrician, first female and Hispanic United States Surgeon General.

• Harry Belafonte, 1996

  

  International legend and Ambassador for UNICEF and children.

• Gina Lollobrigida, 1995

  

  Legendary actress and photographer passionate for children’s causes.

• Shari Lewis, 1995

  

  Educator and entertainer of children through her character "Lamb Chop".

• Reg and Maggie Green, 1995

  

  Active promoters of organ donation internationally through the Nicholas Effect.

• Burt Reynolds, 1994

  

  Supporter of children’s theatrical programs.

• Wayne and Marti Huizenga, 1994

  

  Philanthropists for children through their support of Make-A-Wish® Foundation.

• Dr. Jean Aicardi, 1994

  

  International pediatric neurologist in brain abnormalities.

• Dr. Saul Krugman, 1993

  

  Developer of Hepatitis "B" vaccine.

• Barbara Bush, 1993

  

  Former First Lady and founder of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

• Audrey Hepburn, 1992

  

  Theatrical legend, child advocate and Ambassador for UNICEF.

• J. Peter Grace, 1992

  

  International corporate giant and philanthropist for children.

• Dr. Mary Ellen Avery, 1992

  

  International award-winning pediatric pulmonologist.

• Dr. D. Ralph Millard, 1991

  

  World renowned pediatric craniofacial surgeon specializing in cleft lip and palate.

• Rich Little, 1991

  

  Canadian Chairman of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Telethon.

• Anthony R. Abraham, 1991

  

  International philanthropist for children’s needs.

• Sally Struthers, 1990

  

  Acclaimed comedic and dramatic actress and spokesperson for children.

• Dr. C. Everett Koop, 1990

  

  Children’s advocate and former United States Surgeon General.

• Drs. Ives Cotrel &
  Jean Dubousset, 1990

  

  Creators of CD Rod for spinal injuries.

• Dr. William Walsh, 1989

  

  Founder of Project Hope, bringing specialized healthcare to Latin America and the Caribbean.

• Edward James Olmos, 1989

  

  Oscar nominee and humanitarian for children.

• Kenneth Feld, 1989

  

  Producer of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.

• William Hanna &
  Joseph Barbera, 1988

  

  Animation and cartoon pioneers in children’s entertainment.

• Dr. Robert Gross, 1988

  

  Pioneer in pediatric heart surgery.

• Fran Allison, 1988

  

  Children’s entertainer on television’s "Kukla, Fran and Ollie" show.

• "Buffalo" Bob Smith, 1987

  

  Creator of the "Howdy Doody" show, a children’s television program.

• Dr. Victor McKusick, 1987

  

  Renowned geneticist and medical author.

• Danny Kaye, 1987

  

  Entertainer and "Pied Piper" to the children of the world.

• Dr. Augustín Castellanos, 1987

  

  Nobel Prize nominee for pediatric cardiology.

• Dr. Helen Taussig, 1986

  

  Savior of "Blue Babies," newborns with cyanotic conditions.

• Dr. Jonas Salk, 1986

  

  Developer of the first polio vaccine.

• Bob Keeshan, 1986

  

  Children’s entertainer on television’s "Captain Kangaroo".

• Walt Disney, 1986

  

  International legend in children’s entertainment.

• Florence Groover Frank, 1985

  

  Generous benefactor and permanent Grande Dame of the Hall of Fame Gala.