Young patients at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center face challenges every day that require courage, fortitude and a community of care. Now, they have a new way to show their courage and team spirit during hospital stays thanks to a unique partnership between ECU Health, Kids Who Give, the Carolina Hurricanes and ECU Athletics, who collaborated to create and donate specialized pediatric hospital gowns featuring designs inspired by Kids Who Give, the Carolina Hurricanes and ECU Pirates.
The project began more than a year ago and brought together community organizations, donors and health care team members with a shared goal: help children feel a little more at home while receiving care.
Kids Who Give, a Raleigh-based nonprofit organization founded and led by young people dedicated to helping others, spearheaded the initiative.
According to Stella Magliulo, 14, president of Kids Who Give, the young philanthropists raised money for the Brave Gowns by hosting lemonade stands, going door to door for donations and finding sponsorships. She said one member even asked for donations instead of gifts for her ninth birthday party.
“We’re kids who help kids,” said Magliulo. “When we learned about Brave Gowns, we thought it was such a cool idea for children who have to stay in hospitals. We wanted to help bring joy, love and encouragement to kids who are going through difficult times.”
One Kids Who Give member reached out to the Carolina Hurricanes to share their goal of donating 1,000 gowns to children’s hospitals across North Carolina. The Canes donated $10,000 for 400 gowns to reach their goal.
The gowns were unveiled during a special event at Maynard Children’s Hospital, where representatives from each organization joined patients, families and health care team members to celebrate the partnership.
Kathryn Jarvis, interim vice president of Women’s and Children’s services at Maynard Children’s Hospital, said the gowns provide far more than a new look.
“When children come into the hospital, so much feels out of their control,” Jarvis said. “Something as simple as choosing a hospital gown can make a meaningful difference. These gowns help normalize the hospital experience and give patients a sense of choice and comfort during what can be a difficult time.”
The pediatric gowns feature colorful, child-friendly designs, including Carolina Hurricanes gowns carrying a message of courage and ECU-themed gowns showcasing Pirate pride.
Amy Daniels, executive director of the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, said the project aligns closely with the organization’s mission of supporting communities across North Carolina.
“Being here at ECU Health is a nice way to tap into who we know are superfans all across the state,” said Daniels. “Greenville is a special place and supported us on our run to the Stanley Cup, so it’s really cool to be here and spread the love down east in North Carolina.”
On the Canes jersey, the word “Courage” was featured on the back nameplate.
“Canes players are on the ice every day showing their courage in a sport they love, and it’s important to pass that along to these kids,” said Daniels. “We hope that wearing a ‘jersey’ gives them that extra strength to fight.”
Shane Willis, director of community outreach for the Carolina Hurricanes, said the project is about using the power of sports to brighten difficult days.
“These children show incredible courage every day by continuing to fight,” Willis said. “If we can put smiles on these kids’ faces and encourage them to continue to fight to get better and get outside of this hospital, then that’s what it’s all about. We want them to know an entire community is cheering them on.”
During the visit, Canes mascot Stormy made a special appearance to bring joy to pediatric patients racing through the hallways with giggling children, posing for photos and handing out high-fives to fill the hospital with laughter and smiles. His playful energy not only delighted young patients and their families but also brightened the day for health care team members who joined in the fun.
For families like Dawn Romero’s, the impact is immediate.
Romero’s son, Noah, was born at 24 weeks at Maynard Children’s Hospital in 2021 and spent more than six months in the neonatal intensive care unit. Now five years old, Noah continues to receive care through regular appointments and procedures at the hospital.
“I still have lasting relationships with some of the nurses,” said Romero. “To be able to come not too many miles up the road and have these resources is calming, with his condition. I feel like it is not too far, it’s a place he can feel safe, welcome and loved.”
Romero said it was exciting to see both jerseys after the Canes won the 2026 Stanley Cup and as a former ECU student.
“The amazing team here told us about Kids Who Give and the Hurricanes donating jerseys for kids and invited us to come down,” said Romero. “Anytime we come, they are always giving us resources that make it a little easier. This hospital is full of amazing people.”
According to Tara Tadlock, engagement specialist, Maynard Children’s Hospital, approximately 50 gowns were distributed during the kickoff event, with plans to continue using them for hospitalized children and select outpatient visits.
“The smiles we saw today were incredible,” Tadlock said. “From the moment Stormy arrived, there was laughter echoing through the hallways and excitement throughout the hospital. Watching our patients light up as they received their new jersey-style gowns was a powerful reminder that healing is about more than medical care. It’s also about creating moments of joy, comfort and connection for children and families.”
Hospital leaders say that the lasting impact on children and families facing some of life’s most challenging moments would not be possible without great partnerships.
“This has truly been a team effort,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs, ECU Health Foundation. “So many individuals and organizations came together to make this possible. From our partners at Kids Who Give, Brave Gowns, ECU Athletics and the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation to our ECU Health team members behind the scenes, it’s exciting to see this vision come to life and know the impact it will have on our patients. We are so grateful for the thoughtful vision and leadership from Kids Who Give for helping make this possible.”