Dear supporters and friends,
 
As we all navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on our community and our world, I’d like to express our gratitude for you during this challenging time and also provide a few updates on how Nicklaus Children’s is responding.
 
First and foremost, you are a part of our Nicklaus Children’s family and your well-being is important to us. I hope you and your loved ones are taking the necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe by washing your hands, avoiding gathering in groups and staying home, if you can.
 
I know how much you care about our work to help every child who comes through our doors. Our Nicklaus Children’s staff has been working around the clock to ensure that our patients, families, physicians and employees remain healthy and in good hands. I am pleased to report that our patients in the hospital are all safe and doing well.
 
To safeguard our patients, Nicklaus Children’s has made the decision to temporarily discontinue some clinical training activities, volunteer programs, and all events taking place at the hospital for at least two weeks.
 
Our leadership has recommended that all elective, routine, non-acute or non-emergent outpatient visits be rescheduled through March 31, 2020 and reassess as needed. This guidance applies to the following areas: Outpatient visits, including specialty physician practices, pediatric care center, radiology, routine labs, dental clinic, rehab visits, audiology, sleep lab, fracture clinic, pulmonary function tests. For non-emergencies, please call the location nearest you prior to visiting. For more information and frequent updates about Nicklaus Children’s response to COVID-19, please visit https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/about-us/coronavirus-updates.
 
At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone our fundraisers and events until further notice. Even through this unprecedented time as we face losses in funding for our hospital, our first priority is our children. Right now, we are staying home with our loved ones. Our former patients are home as well, including McKenna whose story will surely brighten your day.   
 
Also on a brighter note, I want to share with you that Friday marks a very special occasion for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital – it’s our 70th birthday! While COVID-19 has forced us to change our plans, we want to take a moment to say thank you for your continued support through the years. Since March 20, 1950, Nicklaus Children’s has become a leader in providing excellent pediatric care, in part because of your support.
 
Thank you for continuing to stand with us, and we will continue to be in touch with you as we have updates.
 

Michelle Boggs
President, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation
SVP of External Affairs, Nicklaus Children’s Health System