January 21, 2000

Nikkole Ruley and
Ronald Kleinman, MD, unveil the name for the mascot —"Pedie."

Marilyn Gifford, Heather Peach and Ellen Silva, of Child Life Services, pose with Pedie.

A crowd gathered as the ribbon was cut to signify the official "opening" of MassGeneral Hospital for Children, the new identity of the hospital's various pediatrics services. Of course, the extensive services offered by this "hospital within a hospital" have been around for a very long time — the testimonials of four families whose children have been cared for at MassGeneral Hospital for Children were proof of this fact.

Left, Honorary Trustee Jane Claflin, Patricia Donahoe, MD, chief of Pediatric Surgery, and Alicia Hyde, 3, a patient at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, cut the ribbon.

Although the MGH has provided care for children since opening its doors in 1821, recent surveys showed that many area residents were unaware the hospital treated children. The name change is intended to better reflect the mission of the hospital and service to provide the highest quality care throughout life.

Sarah Giles and Robyn Campbell cut the 700-pound cupcake.

"We are so excited to be here to celebrate our services for children," said Alan Ezekowitz, MBChB, DPhil, chief of the Pediatrics Service at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. "As part of the MGH, we are committed to serving children and recognize that excellence in caring for pediatric patients is based on an interdisciplinary effort requiring partnership and teamwork from all members of the health care team."

Jennifer LaChance, 10, and her doctor, Leonard Kaban, MD, DMD, chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, share their story of the state-of-the-art care Jennifer received that rid her of a jaw tumor.

The kickoff party was held in the WACC Lobby, Jan. 13, where dozens of patients, families and MGH employees celebrated the formal change to the new name. The event was co-hosted by Ronald Kleinman, MD, associate chief of Pediatrics at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, and Nikkole Ruley, a patient of the service.

Four families shared their stories of treatment and triumph at the hospital, and a life-sized black bear "Pedie," a name chosen by pediatric patients, made an appearance as the official mascot of the service. Just before the ribbon was cut, Sarah Giles, 18, and Robyn Campbell, 17, patients at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, sliced into a 700-pound cupcake that was made just for the day.

United States Congressmen Michael Capuano (D-MA), Richard Gephardt (D-MO) and Joe Moakley (D-MA) receive T-shirts during their visit to the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Jan. 10.