Feelings of renewal and hope are typically associated with the months of spring. This year, however, as we watch the brilliantly-hued leaves here in Baltimore flutter to the ground, we find ourselves experiencing a sense of rejuvenation in autumn.

Our optimism is borne out on so many fronts. It comes from witnessing the tremendous energy exhibited by the 1,300-plus people who turned out to run, walk and dash at the Miracles in Motion event in late September at the Maryland Zoo. Together our generous supporters raised more than $225,000 for essential services at the Children’s Center. 

It comes from working alongside the talented batch of new medical and surgical residents who began work here this summer. Amid a healthcare landscape beset by seemingly daunting challenges, these young pediatric physicians are undeterred in their determination to improve the lives of children and their families. We are inspired by their brilliance and commitment to the advancement of pediatric health.

And our hope springs from the outpouring of support for Johns Hopkins’ newly launched Research Saves Children fundraising campaign, which comes at a time when federal cuts have created a clear need for new support. Here at the Children’s Center, we save lives every day not just because of our clinical skill and cutting-edge technologies, but because of evidence-based breakthroughs made possible through research. It’s been energizing to see so many people mobilizing around the rallying slogan that “Research Saves Children!” by purchasing shirts and launching new funding sources to keep our life-saving research alive.

By reading the stories in this issue of Hopkins Children’s, we hope you will share in our sense of autumnal rejuvenation, as we set our sights on a future guided by innovation, discovery and excellence.