“At World Pediatrics, our role was to make this extraordinary care reachable and to sustain the pathway surrounding Hiyab and Wuhbto throughout their journey,” said Linda Norman, chair of the board of World Pediatrics. “The most advanced medical care cannot change a child’s life if that child cannot reach it. We are proud to have contributed leadership, advocacy and human support to this effort, and deeply grateful to every partner who brought their expertise and compassion to these girls. This is what it means to heal a child and change the world.”
“The girls are beginning to take full advantage of the miracle of their surgeries through a multidisciplinary therapy regimen at Ranken Jordan,” said Dr. Nick Holekamp, chief health transformation officer at Ranken Jordan. “They are now able to participate in individually focused therapies to do the activities of daily living that they could not do while conjoined, such as therapies to sit, eventually to stand and walk, to eat and speak, to socialize, and to play with other kids, including each other. Although they are still in the middle of an extensive medical journey, they are making progress toward one day pursuing independent lives.”
Today, after months of surgeries and ongoing care, the girls have reached a major milestone in their surgical journey. Wuhbto recently underwent a successful cranioplasty operation to complete the repair of her skull. Hiyab is preparing for her cranioplasty later this fall.
The journey for these young girls is a story of global compassion surrounded by a network of caregivers, advocates, and medical experts. What began in Ethiopia evolved into a life-changing milestone in St. Louis, Missouri, where specialized pediatric teams delivered world-class acute and post-acute therapeutic care. The milestone represents not only a medical achievement but also the power of collaboration to change lives.
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About SSM Health
Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential.
With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s more than 40,000 team members and more than 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Since 1956, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital has offered the highest level of care as the country’s only free-standing, non-profit Catholic pediatric hospital. Located in St. Louis, MO, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon provides hope to thousands of children with complex conditions from Missouri, Illinois, and beyond. A member of SSM Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country, the 195-bed teaching hospital is staffed by SLUCare physicians affiliated with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Since 2013, U.S. News & World Report has recognized SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s as a Best Children’s Hospital.
About World Pediatrics
World Pediatrics is a global health systems partner that transforms access to advanced pediatric healthcare. Its mission is to heal more children, in less time, with greater impact. Through region-led networks and global partnerships, the organization delivers complex care to children, empowers healthcare professionals and institutions, and transforms pathways that improve how pediatric services are delivered, reached and sustained. For more than 25 years, World Pediatrics has served more than 29,000 children and facilitated more than $340 million in medical services worldwide. Learn more at worldpediatrics.org.
About Lola Children’s Home
For 15 years, Lola Children’s Home has provided protection, care and hope to vulnerable children and families in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. The organization offers residential and day care, education, nutrition, medical attention, psychosocial support and family-strengthening services to children and families affected by conflict, poverty, disability and family instability. Through a safe and nurturing environment, Lola Children’s Home helps those it serves rebuild their lives with dignity, affection and opportunity. Learn more at lolachildrenfund.org.
About Ranken Jordan
Ranken Jordan is a pediatric bridge hospital that cares for kids from birth to 21+ who are well enough to leave a traditional hospital but need help before they go home. The only hospital of its kind in Missouri and one of only a select few in the country, Ranken Jordan specializes in caring for children and their families with the most complex conditions, illnesses and injuries, bridging the gap between hospital and home.
The 60-bed hospital uses an innovative care model, Care Beyond the BedsideⓇ, which gets children out of their hospital rooms, activating the healing power of play. Located in the heart of the Midwest, Ranken Jordan serves patients from across the region at its state-of-the-art facility. Learn more at RankenJordan.org.
