UF Health Giving

09/04/2026

September is NICU Awareness Month! 💚 We want to introduce Ellie, one of our Children's Miracle Network ambassadors at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital who continues to defy the odds.

At only 25 weeks pregnant, Jennifer, Ellie's mother, experienced complications that led to her daughters early delivery. Born as a "micro-preemie," she weighed just 1 pound and 3 ounces and developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition that affects the airways of the lungs.

After 130 days in the NICU, Ellie was finally stable enough to go home. Despite the challenges over the years, Ellie and her mother continue to find joy in every victory they share.

And now through Sept. 30, you can helps kids like Ellie by rounding up at the register during your next Blizzard run at Dairy Queen. DQ doesn't just have food and treats that put a smile on your face — DQ creates meaningful moments for kids and families in our community. 🍦

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

Did you know that every time you shop on Walmart.com, you can round up your change and donate it to UF Health Shands Children's Hospital? When you choose us as your charity of choice through the Walmart program, you can for all kids. ✨💙

08/28/2026

Watch more, give more, smile more! 🎥🍿

Enjoy the big screen for less while helping kids in our community! Now through May 31, 2027, buy a Regal ticket bundle and 25% goes directly to UF Health Shands Children's Hospital through Children's Miracle Network. Save on your next date night or family night while enjoying a movie that makes miracles possible! ❤️

Get your bundle: https://www.groupraise.com/oc/81244

08/26/2026

Extremely chic over here 🤌

08/24/2026

How well do you know UF Health Shands Children's Hospital? 🧡💙

08/24/2026

Raised by a father who served as a firefighter and paramedic for 27 years and a mother who worked from home while caring for their family, Amanda Reeder grew up surrounded by examples of dedication to others.

Following her parents' commitment to service, she spent nearly nine years working in emergency medical services before joining the University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies, where she is now a second-year PA student in the midst of clinical rotations.

“My goal in becoming a PA started from my roots in medicine,” she said. “I hope I can bridge the gap between inpatient medicine and emergency medical services, as I believe this is a new frontier of medicine.”

Reeder is the recipient of the inaugural Dr. Steven M. Kraft and Mrs. Randy E. Kraft Endowed Scholarship, a financial support fund for future Gator PAs gifted by UF College of Medicine alumnus Steven Kraft, PA ’76, M.D. ’81, and his wife, UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and University of Florida College of Education alumna Randy Kraft. The scholarship gives preference to students who serve, or have served, as first responders.

“It felt nice to be recognized and noticed for the hard work I had put in before and during the program. It was also very heartfelt that previous graduates of the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies were giving back to the next generation of PA students," Reeder said. “I want to extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for this contribution toward my learning journey."

To learn more about Reeder and how scholarships help our students write their next chapter, visit https://news.drgator.ufl.edu/2026/07/29/amanda-reeder-kraft-scholarship/ and https://med.ufl.edu/alumni-affairs/development/scholarships/.

08/21/2026

In June, we celebrated the grand opening of a brand new Love's Travel Stops location in Gretna with a $5,000 check presentation! ❤️💛 And now through Sept. 25, our friends at Love's will be raising funds for Children's Miracle Network at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital! Donate $1, $5 or $20 at the register during your next gas run and receive a balloon icon to personalize and display in-store! 🎈

08/20/2026

Our Children's Miracle Network ambassador, Genevieve, turns 6 today! 🎂🥳

Born with three holes in her heart, Genevieve endured two major surgeries before her first birthday at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital. Join us in saying Happy Birthday! 🎉

08/20/2026

Jennifer Hosford brings clinical trials to life at the UF diabetes research program