When Kimberly and Waylon Williford welcomed their daughter Abigail into the world 18 years ago, her arrival did not go according to plan. Born at just 30 weeks and weighing 2 pounds, 11 ounces, Abby spent the first 91 days of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. For the Willifords, those months were filled with fear, hope and a deep trust in the hands caring for their daughter.
“For 91 days, the NICU was her home, and the staff became so much more than caregivers,” Kimberly said. “They became family. On the days I could not be there, I found comfort in knowing she was surrounded by people who loved and protected her as their own.”
Today, Abby is a senior at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, a residential STEM high school. The Willifords return to the NICU each year on Abby’s birthday, with a cake in hand, to honor the people who made Abby’s future possible. She recently returned to the NICU to celebrate her 18th birthday, a milestone she doesn’t take for granted.
“I know some babies born premature like I was don’t make it to 18 – especially 18 and healthy – so I think that’s an amazing accomplishment and testament to both my doctors and God,” Abby said.
The ritual that began when she was young has grown more meaningful with time.
“It has been an important part of my life to go back and show my appreciation for the NICU team,” Abby said. “Even if they weren’t there when I was born, I still love to show my appreciation for other people who are doing the same thing and taking care of the NICU babies like they took care of me.”
Kimberly shares that sentiment.
“Over the years, while some staff have retired or moved on, what has never changed is the compassion and dedication of those who continue to care for the smallest and most fragile patients,” she said.
Kimberly also hopes their visits bring optimism to patients and families in the NICU themselves.
“We hope Abby’s visits offer encouragement on the hard days and a glimpse of hope for families walking through those early days,” Kimberly said.
Abby also volunteers at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in the summers while she’s home from school. Abby’s time spent at ECU Health Beaufort made an impression on Volunteer Services Manager Angelina Brittle. Brittle first met Abby in 2024, shortly after stepping into her role. Abby had already been volunteering since 2023 as part of the ECU Health Volunteen Summer Program, and Brittle said she immediately recognized something special.
“I instantly knew from the moment I met her, she was going to be a great mentor for the new high school kids coming in,” Brittle said. “She is a go-getter. She is so kind, super smart and just has a big heart for helping others. She is a really great Volunteeen, and I can’t wait to see all the great things she’s going to do.”
Abby set a personal goal of completing 60 volunteer hours before graduating high school. She surpassed that with more than 75 hours at ECU Health Beaufort. She has served in a variety of departments, including the ambulatory surgical unit, cardiac rehab, the emergency department, the main lobby, the Marian L. Shepherd Cancer Center and the workroom.
“All of those different areas allow for exposure in different fields of practice, but also allow her to engage with different disciplines,” Brittle said. “And with that, I have seen that she has made some amazing connections.”
Brittle often observes volunteers interacting with patients from a distance, and she says Abby shines in those moments. For patients in the hospital, the presence of the Volunteens can offer a welcome distraction from the reason they’re in the hospital. She says patients frequently strike up conversations with high school volunteers.
“I’ve seen her grow in her ability to engage with our patients,” said Brittle. “She makes our patients smile when she sees them, especially in the ambulatory surgical unit. She’s just a light, and I hope one day she returns here as a working professional.”
Abby’s mother often shared stories about the doctors and nurses who cared for her, and those stories planted a seed. In the fall, Abby will begin studying biology and public health at East Carolina University Honors College on a pre-med track.
“Her experience has shaped the person she is becoming,” Kimberly said. “It gives her perspective, compassion and a deep appreciation for life. It continues to guide her dream of one day becoming a physician.
“We are forever grateful for the hands that held our daughter at the very beginning,” Kimberly said. “Because of them, we get to watch her step into a future that once felt uncertain.”
Share your story with us at go.ecuhealth.org/gratitude. Stories like these show the lasting impact of the Maynard Children’s Hospital.
Medical students at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University marked a decade of raising funds, awareness and hair for pediatric patients with cancer during the Pirates Vs. Cancer spring event at the ECU Health Sciences Campus Student Center on April 10.
Pirates Vs. Cancer is a student-driven initiative dedicated to supporting children and families facing cancer. The event is organized by a board of about 10 first-year medical students who coordinated events like hair donations, professional haircuts from local barbers and hairdressers, raffles, face-painting and family-friendly activities. Students, faculty and visitors enjoyed a bounce house and bracelet-making station donated by local businesses. The American Red Cross, National Bone Marrow Registry and Riley’s Army hosted tables with prizes, games and information for attendees.
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded by Brody students in 2017 and has raised over $176,000 in the past 10 years for patients at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Ahead of the April 10 event, this year’s board had already raised more than $14,000 for the cause.
Sebastian Williams, president of Pirates Vs. Cancer, said the decade-long effort is on the verge of reaching a new fundraising benchmark.
“We’re really excited because we’re hoping that we hit $200,000 of money raised for Maynard Children’s Hospital from Pirates Vs. Cancer over the years,” said Williams. “We’re almost there.”
Williams helps coordinate fundraisers throughout the year and works with local partners to support the cause. He said the event also brings together students from across ECU’s health sciences programs.
“The dental, medical, nursing students all come out and just interact with each other, take a break from studying, and also have fun with the kids and doctors,” said Williams.
Alex Tiet, Pirates Vs. Cancer’s vice president, said the annual event allows students to educate people on and off campus about pediatric cancer. He said that mission is particularly important since ECU Health serves a largely rural 29-county region in eastern North Carolina.
“We are a historically underserved and underrepresented population, so it’s great to have these student life organizations start these conversations in eastern North Carolina,” Tiet said. “As one of the largest student life organizations on campus, it feels like our responsibility to advocate for people and patients who are navigating a life-changing diagnosis that comes with its own array of challenges. Lending a helping hand feels like the least we can do.”
Williams himself was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age six.
“It took a huge toll on my family because my family had no history of huge medical complications, and all of a sudden I find out one day that I have cancer,” Williams said.
He underwent three years of chemotherapy – a period he described as physically and emotionally taxing. That’s why events like Pirates Vs. Cancer matter, he said.
“We have the people who have come out to donate hair, and the hair that’s donated will be used to make wigs for the kids who are going through chemo,” Williams said. “As someone who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, I also had to go through that process as a kid where I lost all my hair.”
Williams said he opted for hats during his own treatment, but he knows how meaningful wigs can be for children who want to feel “more like their normal selves” during an incredibly difficult time.
“Having these wigs made for them just helps alleviate the stress that they’re already going through,” Williams said.
Tiet was among the students who volunteered to donate his hair to the cause. Before he sat down in the barber’s chair, he and his fellow donors were more excited than one might expect to undergo a fairly dramatic, albeit short-lived transformation.
“Pediatric cancer awareness has been a passion of mine since I was an undergraduate student, so taking a little off the top feels like a very minor sacrifice to support these patients and their families,” Tiet said. “Some of these treatments take weeks, months or even years and are very taxing on patients.
“I have not had a buzzcut since maybe middle school, so it’s going to be a change of pace,” Tiet continued. “Feeling the breeze going through my scalp will be nice. Hopefully my hair can bring a sense of normalcy to these patients. They can use it better than I can.”
One hundred percent of the funds raised by Pirates vs. Cancer are donated to the ECU Health Foundation to benefit programs at Maynard Children’s Hospital. If you would like to donate to Pirates Vs. Cancer, please visit give.ecuhealthfoundation.org/campaign/2026-pirates-vs-cancer/c758778.
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Radio listeners will once again help make a big change for kids during the 29th annual Music for Miracles radiothon March 26-27. The radiothon raises funds to help sick and injured children in eastern North Carolina through Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) to benefit the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and will air on 107.9 WNCT and all Inner Banks Media (IBX Media) radio stations including Talk 96.3 and 103.7; Oldies 94.1 and 102.7; and 94.3 The Game.
The two-day radiothon raises funds to benefit the programs and services of Maynard Children’s Hospital, which serves pediatric inpatient and outpatient patients from 29 counties across eastern North Carolina. One hundred percent of the funds raised by ECU Health’s CMN program directly supports programs and services of Maynard Children’s Hospital.
“Once again, we are thrilled to have the radiothon on all our IBX Media stations to raise funds for James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. It’s the highlight of our year to support the Children’s Hospital,” said Henry Hinton, president, Inner Banks Media. “I’ve personally had a grandson who needed care there, and it is a true blessing for all of eastern North Carolina to have it here. We’re looking forward to two exciting days and hope everyone will participate as they are able.”
In 1998, the first radiothon raised $5,400. Last year, the radiothon raised more than $113,000. Thanks to the loyal listeners of 107.9 and the dedicated radio staff and personalities, the event has raised more than $4 million to date. At Maynard Children’s Hospital, these funds have been used to purchase life-saving medical equipment and diversionary items for kids, provide team member and patient education and to help build new facilities.
“The radiothon continues to be one of our most impactful annual traditions, and we are deeply grateful for the steadfast dedication of the 107.9 WNCT team and everyone at Inner Banks Media,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs for the ECU Health Foundation. “Their commitment to broadcasting live for 12 hours across two consecutive days, supported by countless hours of planning and behind-the-scenes coordination is truly remarkable. This event is made possible through the partnership of hospital leaders, team members and, above all, the courageous miracle children and families who generously share their stories. We invite everyone to tune in and be inspired by the hope and healing this event helps make possible.”
The entire 24 hours of the radiothon will be broadcast live on 107.9 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Thursday and Friday, with the other stations broadcasting intermittently throughout the two days. To give, please call 1-800-673-5437 (1-800-673-KIDS) or visit www.GiveToCMN.com.
Pirates vs. Cancer, a student‑driven initiative dedicated to supporting children and families facing cancer, is set to host its annual spring fundraising event on April 10 at the ECU Health Sciences Campus. Led by medical, dental and allied health students, Pirates vs. Cancer brings together the entire health sciences community for a day of giving, celebration and solidarity with pediatric patients.
The spring event will feature hair donations, professional haircuts provided by a local barber, raffles, and a variety of family‑friendly activities. Students have also secured support from local businesses, including the donation of a bounce house and supplies for bracelet‑making and face painting so pediatric patients can join in the fun. The American Red Cross, National Bone Marrow Registry and Rylee’s Army will be in attendance, too.
“We really want this to be a fun, uplifting day where students, families and the community can come together for a meaningful cause,” said Sebastian Williams, president of the Pirates vs. Cancer leadership team and a first-year medical student (M1). “Our goal is to raise funds, raise awareness and show our pediatric patients that they have an entire Pirate Nation behind them.”
For Williams, fundraising for pediatric cancer patients is a full circle moment. At age six, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and spent three years undergoing chemotherapy. Now, more than a decade later, he is studying to be an oncologist and helping kids whose circumstances are all too familiar.
“I understand what these kids are going through,” Williams said. “It’s a huge, life-changing event. You have to go through chemo treatment for months, for years, and you can’t do the same things that other kids do. I had to quit all my sports. I had to quit other activities because my body just couldn’t handle it, my immune system was basically not functional.
“Doing an event like Pirates vs. Cancer is a rewarding experience for me. I can give these kids what I wish I had. This is the whole reason I want to become a physician and continue this endeavor to help children with cancer.”
One hundred percent of the funds raised by Pirates vs. Cancer is donated to ECU Health Foundation to benefit programs at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Some of those programs have included camps and other programs specifically designed to provide pediatric patients with childhood experiences.
Among the most tangible examples of the group’s efforts is on the Maynard Children’s Hospital’s second floor. In 2024, Pirates vs. Cancer funds were designated to renovate a playroom and fill it with toys, games, crafts and technology that help patients take their mind off procedures and just be kids.
“We were able to almost double the size of this playroom for these kids and add so many more interactive features,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “It’s really a place of respite for them when they are facing treatment for months, weeks at a time.”
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded by Brody School of Medicine students in 2017 and has raised over $176,000 in the past 10 years. Leadership and participants are composed of students, faculty and staff from the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Allied Health Sciences and the Undergraduate campus. Together, they raise funds that directly impact their community.
“It’s wonderful to see where the money physically impacts the kids’ experience at the hospital,” Williams said.
Pirates vs. Cancer continues to grow as a signature philanthropic effort on the Health Sciences Campus, uniting future health professionals around a shared commitment to compassion, service and advocacy for children battling cancer.
Local businesses have been invited to sponsor the event, with a March 20 deadline for inclusion on event T‑shirts and promotional materials. While sponsorships for the spring event are closing soon, community members are welcome to donate at any time, and businesses will have additional opportunities to support the larger Pirates vs. Cancer fall event later this year.
To donate, please visit: https://give.ecuhealthfoundation.org/campaign/2026-pirates-vs-cancer/c758778
ECU Health, Safe Kids Pitt County, Pitt County Council on Aging and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office helped Pitt County residents do a little spring cleaning during the 16th annual Operation Medicine Drop on Friday, March 13, at the Pitt County Council on Aging. The annual event gives residents the opportunity to drop off unused, unwanted or expired medication for safe disposal.
Operation Medicine Drop marks ECU Health’s commitment to educating the public about the importance of safe disposal.
More than 67,000 children go to an emergency room for medicine poisoning each year, according to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide.
Ellen Walston, injury prevention program coordinator and Safe Kids Pitt County coordinator at ECU Health, said the hosts gathered 244 pounds of medication. She said the partnership is essential to keep those medications out of the hands of small children.
“Local law enforcement agencies maintain drop boxes for people to dispose of their medication year-round,” Walston said. “It’s convenient and we don’t want people to hold onto them. We want them to dispose of them either at our annual event in March or throughout the year at a permanent drop box.”
Operation Medicine Drop serves as a reminder that those resources are available to the public.
“It also protects our waterways,” Walston said. “People tend to flush medications, and we do not want them to do that. We want safe disposal.”
ECU Health also partnered with the Pitt County Council on Aging to help residents shred their unwanted documents. Volunteers from the North Carolina Department of Transportation helped guide a long line of vehicles to a paper shredding truck where waste bins full of documents were able to be safely disposed of.
Since 2010, Operation Medicine Drop campaigns have successfully incinerated more than 422 million pills collected through permanent drop boxes and more than 4,600 events across North Carolina. Operation Medicine Drop is a partnership between Safe Kids North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the State Bureau of Investigation.
On Feb. 6, ECU Health, the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and EastCare celebrated the addition of a new pediatric helicopter that will provide rapid, safe critical care to the communities we serve. As the state’s first dedicated pediatric medical transport helicopter, the aircraft will provide expert care while performing hospital-to-hospital transfers, and it took the work of many team members to bring this aircraft to our system.
Growing the team
Elaine Cudnik, executive director of Children’s Advanced Clinical Practice, joined ECU Health in 2021 and worked in children’s medical transport. At the time, they primarily served very young children, but the team had their sights set on serving a larger pediatric population. That’s when she partnered with Jessica Yelverton, assistant director of Children’s Advanced Practice, who joined the team as a flight nurse in 2016 and returned to assist the team as a neonatal nurse practitioner.
“We inherited a tiny team of two full-time team members and one part-time team member, and they were working hard to support the neonatal population,” Cudnik said.
Yelverton established a robust onboarding program for team members. They both focused on acquiring specialty equipment and providing education on advanced care procedures, and they amped up their recruitment for new team members, which grew their team from five full-time employees to 17.
“Elaine and I had a vision for children’s transport,” Yelverton said. “We worked on getting the right team members, and then we looked to expand from smaller children and neonates to full pediatric care for pediatric patients.”
Once they had the team members in place, Yelverton said they partnered with EastCare to take the lead in transporting pediatric patients. As a result, they saw a significant increase in the number of patients they served, from 300 transports in 2021 to almost 1,200 in 2025.
Closing the distance for rural care
With that growth came new challenges, including how to best serve the large, rural population of eastern North Carolina.
“As we transported more and more patients, we tracked volumes, dispatch times and turnaround times,” Yelverton said. “We’re unique to our region because we serve such an expansive area. If we go to the communities farther out, that could take up to six hours roundtrip by ground. We were borrowing helicopters from EastCare and it quickly became clear we needed a helicopter of our own.”
Cudnik said they collected data to show the number of patients served and the need for a helicopter.
“Now we won’t need to borrow helicopters from EastCare as often, which takes them out of their rotation. It means we can help patients who need quick, critical care and fewer patients will have to wait for transport. That quick turnaround will be amazing,” said Angela Hollis, a flight nurse with the Children’s Transport Team. As the team’s longest-tenured nurse, Angela focuses on quality of care.
Erik Rispoli, the assistant manager of the Children’s Transport Team, has been instrumental in the development and orientation of incoming EMTs.
With a background in the PICU, Heather Hopkins, a flight nurse with the Children’s Transport Team, has helped grow the pediatric intensive care operations sharing protocol and experience she gained from other programs.
Cudnik frequently mentioned their “tight knit” team, and how their collaboration ensured they now have the best equipment to provide care to an underserved population.
“This is important, especially for rural health care,” she said. “Part of our Mission, Vision and Values is to be a model for rural health care in eastern North Carolina, to set the bar. By allowing people to receive care in their community hospitals but still provide specialty services they can get to quickly, it shows the commitment ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital have to our communities.”
The annual Jell-O toss at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center brought patients, families and care teams together on a warm and sunny afternoon for one of the hospital’s sweet traditions. Held each year during Child Life Month, the event gives young patients a chance to step outside their rooms, enjoy the fresh air and – most importantly – cover their doctors, nurses and care teams in brightly colored Jell-O.
Child Life Specialist Lexie Whitehurst said the day is designed to give kids a break from the stress of treatment while helping them connect with their care teams in a different way.
“It’s just a really fun way for our patients to come out and blow off some steam and really enjoy this beautiful weather that we are lucky to have today,” said Whitehurst. “It’s very therapeutic for not only our patients, but for our staff members, to not always just be the doctors or the nurses or the medical staff, but to engage in the play.”
Whitehurst said events like this are central to the child life team’s mission.
“These kids go through a lot,” she said. “So our goal is just to bring smiles and joy to their faces as they are going through so much.”
One of those kids is Landon Cherry, a 16-year-old patient who visits the hospital frequently for pain associated with sickle cell disease. Despite the challenges of his condition, he arrived at the Jell-O toss full of energy and humor.
“I was very excited… because it’s, like, you know, it’s throwing Jell-O,” he said. “Who really gets the time to throw Jell-O?”
For Cherry, the event was more than just fun.
“It might be like a venting mechanism,” he explained. “Throwing the Jell-O’s like throwing your frustration out the window… using it to vent my frustration of being stuck in a hospital room.”
Landon’s mother, Franchesica Veale, said the event meant everything to him.
“He called me last night. He was like, ‘Mom, I’m going to throw Jell-O at the doctors,’” Veale said. “He was really, really excited.”
Veale said Landon has always had a unique personality, something she noticed from the moment he first spoke at 18 months old.
“His first words were, ‘Hey Mom, that is a red octagon with the word stop on it. S-T-O-P, stop Mommy,’” she recalled. “He’s just a special guy, and whoever he meets, he leaves an impact on them.”
Veale added that Cherry also has high-functioning autism, something she considers a strength.
“I really feel like that is his superpower,” Veale said. “It helps contribute to his personality and how he is today.”
Even though he has been managing significant pain during this hospital stay, Veale said he rarely lets it show.
“He’s such a champ,” she said. “Even if he’s hurting, he won’t let you know it.”
Cherry’s siblings joined in on the fun too. His brother and sister joined him in throwing Jell-O at the volunteers while his mom watched on with a smile on her face.
“When he told me about today, I made sure I was here for him today – we all were – to help support him,” said Veale.
Carteret Health Care, ECU Health and the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center are pleased to announce a new partnership that brings Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalist services directly to families in Carteret County. This collaboration highlights both organizations’ shared commitment to ensuring children have access to high-quality care, as Carteret Health Care becomes the only hospital outside of the ECU Health system to host ECU Health Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists on-site.
The partnership expands access to specialized newborn and pediatric inpatient care close to home—an important priority for families in the community. Through this collaboration, Carteret Health Care is helping ensure children who require hospitalization can receive high-quality, expert care locally, reducing the need for families to travel outside the county whenever possible.
“Our partnership with ECU Health to bring dedicated Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists to Carteret County represents a significant leap forward in our mission to provide specialized care close to home,” said Dr. Clyde Brooks, VP of Medical Affairs. “By having these specialists on-site 24/7, we are ensuring that local families have immediate access to high-quality inpatient pediatric care. This collaboration not only supports our local pediatricians but also provides parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing advanced medical support is available right here in our community.”
ECU Health Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists will provide dedicated inpatient care for infants and children admitted to Carteret Health Care. This approach allows local pediatricians to continue focusing on outpatient care and long-term relationships with their patients, while Hospitalists manage inpatient needs, ensuring seamless coordination and continuity of care.
“ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital are committed to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina—that’s our mission, which extends to supporting other health systems who also serve patients in the region, said Dr. Matthew Ledoux, pediatrician in chief, ECU Health, chair of pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “We’re delighted to partner with Carteret Health Care to offer our expertise, provide alignment with the highest standards of clinical care and help ensure patients and families receive the right level of care and support.”
For Carteret County families, the impact of this partnership is significant. More children can remain in the community for care, staying close to family, school, and support systems during hospitalization. When higher-acuity care is required, transfers to ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital can be streamlined, helping ensure timely access to advanced pediatric services.
Greenville, N.C. — ECU Health, the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and EastCare today announced the arrival of North Carolina’s first medical transport helicopter dedicated solely to pediatric patients. This milestone investment ensures that children across eastern North Carolina—especially those in rural and underserved communities—have rapid, safe access to the highly specialized, critical care they need.
Designed as a fully equipped mobile intensive care unit (ICU), the new aircraft brings advanced subspecialty expertise directly to the region’s sickest and most vulnerable children. Its capabilities allow care to begin the moment transport starts, reducing critical time to treatment for patients who often live far from specialty services.
“One third of the children we transport are premature or neonatal infants, many of whom need highly-specialized care,” said Dr. Matthew Ledoux, pediatrician in chief at Maynard Children’s Hospital and chair of pediatrics at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
“This new helicopter gives us the ability to reach these babies faster, stabilize them sooner and deliver ICU level care from the very first moments of transport. It is truly a game changer for pediatric and neonatal outcomes in eastern North Carolina.”
The helicopter carries specialized neonatal and pediatric equipment—including ventilators designed for the smallest patients—and features a spacious, child friendly interior. The environment allows clinical teams to deliver both intensive medical treatment and developmentally supportive care in a space where children can feel safe and comforted. Much of the equipment in the aircraft was funded by generous donors through the ECU Health Foundation.
Used exclusively for hospital to hospital transfers, the helicopter expands regional capacity and strengthens resource allocation across ECU Health’s service area. The aircraft also enables providers to fly out to support deliveries and neonatal resuscitations, bringing critical expertise directly to local hospitals when seconds matter.
“This investment reflects ECU Health’s commitment to access and exceptional care for every child in our region,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Families should not have to travel long distances or face barriers to receive specialized pediatric services just because they live in a rural community. By placing this resource in eastern North Carolina, we’re bringing life-saving care closer to home and advancing our mission to improve the health and well-being of those we serve.”
This new helicopter builds on a decade long legacy of life-saving care provided by EastCare and Maynard Children’s Hospital as this year marks the 10-year anniversary of ECU Health’s children’s transport team. By significantly reducing transport times and increasing access to advanced care, the new helicopter is poised to improve outcomes for thousands of children across eastern North Carolina.
To learn more about the new helicopter and access images and video, please visit: go.ecuhealth.org/helicopter
ECU Health Medical Center’s shadowing program offers high school and college students an eye opening introduction to a wide range of health care careers. Participation has grown significantly over the past year, reflecting students’ enthusiasm for real world experience and team members’ commitment to providing meaningful opportunities.
Offered through Workforce Development, students are able to observe clinical environments, interact with care teams and connect classroom learning to real patient care. It’s a chance to gain firsthand insight into how their future careers could take shape.
“The shadowing experience gives students clarity,” said Nancy Turner, workforce development consultant. “It helps them understand what different roles look like in practice and how much impact our team members have on patients and families every day.”
Though opportunities span many departments, frequently requested areas include pediatrics, ultrasound and trauma. Students unsure where to begin receive guidance based on their interests.
For many, the experience confirms their career goals.
Serena Petway, who shadowed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Medical Oncology, said the program strengthened her desire to work at ECU Health.
“My mentors answered all of my questions and I felt comfortable interacting with patients,” Petway said. “I would love to work at Maynard Children’s Hospital after I graduate.”
Others discover new possibilities entirely. Mary Morgan Beeman described her experience in Vertigo Rehabilitation as transformative.
“I learned about a specialty I didn’t even know existed,” she said.
Hands-on observation is especially powerful for students early in their training. For nursing student Addison Parker, the program provided memorable and formative experiences. Enrolled in the ENC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Program through Pitt Community College and ECU, Parker shadowed in Pediatrics, the NICU and Labor and Delivery.
“I was able to see a live birth, a postpartum hemorrhage and an epidural being given,” Parker said. “It was breathtaking. I can picture myself working as a Labor and Delivery nurse at the bedside.”
The experience also broadened her understanding of nursing.
“Nurses are integrated into every aspect of health care,” she said. “Seeing different units showed me how varied and specialized nursing roles can be.”
For ECU student Karleigh Rouse, shadowing reinforced both her career choice and her connection to ECU Health. A child life major on the pre-occupational therapy track, Rouse shadowed across multiple inpatient settings, including Pediatrics Acute Care and special care NICU.
“One of the biggest highlights was seeing Occupational Therapy in the NICU,” Rouse said. “I didn’t realize how much of a difference OT can make, even at birth. The therapists were some of the most empathetic, hardworking and caring individuals I had ever met. Seeing how they made such a difference in the patients’ lives stuck out to me the most.”
Her mentors echoed her enthusiasm.
“Karleigh was a wonderful shadow student. She was very attentive to our patients and never afraid to ask questions. I could tell she was very passionate about OT within just one week,” said Megan Eakes, occupational therapy assistant I.
Rouse said the program reinforced her passion for hospital-based care and solidified her long-term career goal.
“It’s so important to shadow and to see what your everyday life would be like if you pursued a particular field, and ECU Health is the best place to do so. Throughout my shadowing, I discovered that I am most interested in working in a hospital environment and it reinforced that occupational therapy is the right path for me,” she said.
Feedback from students consistently highlights welcoming teams, supportive mentors and meaningful exposure to patient care. For many, shadowing serves as their introduction to ECU Health’s collaborative, mission-driven culture.
For Turner, that impact reflects the program’s greater purpose.
“Shadowing not only allows students to make informed decisions about their careers but it also allows them to see ECU Health as a place where they can learn, grow and eventually work,” she said.
The shadowing program is open to high school students and older who have completed at least one health sciences course to ensure participants are familiar with basic medical terminology.
Students can learn more and submit shadowing requests through the ECU Health Careers website.