Help change lives with us!

At Sacred Heart, we believe healing goes far beyond medicine—it’s about providing comfort, building connection, and showing compassion every step of the way. It’s this belief that inspired a remarkable group of high school students known as the Change Makers Junior Board to bring something truly special to our pediatric surgical team: Birdie, our brand-new facility dog.

For both Michael and Chelsie Clarke, and Stephen and Ashley Clarke, the journey to parenthood began with joy—and quickly transformed into fear. Each family faced the frightening reality of unexpected complications, early deliveries, and days spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). But through these deeply personal challenges, they also discovered something extraordinary: unwavering care, expert guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Brendan and Cindy Murphy lovingly refer to themselves as “two little kids from Queens” who met on a blind date 50 years ago. Raised in happy but humble homes, Brendan and Cindy were no strangers to hard work. Brendan delivered newspapers; Cindy babysat. Vacations were rare, but their homes were always filled with love—and the assurance that no one was ever cold or hungry. They describe their life today as something they “could never have imagined,” blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and a life anchored in purpose.

In June 2018, Katie Cole was admitted to the Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola due to complications from pre-eclampsia and type 2 diabetes. Her daughter Victoria wasn’t due until August, but worsening symptoms led to an emergency C-section on July 4. Born at 35 weeks, Victoria weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and had to be resuscitated before being taken to the NICU, where she stayed for seven days.

Zanisha received life-saving care through the ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) program at Ascension Sacred Heart. This advanced technology supports patients with severe heart or lung failure, giving them the critical time needed to rest and heal. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we are able to offer this life-saving technology right here in our community, allowing patients like Zanisha to receive the highest level of care without leaving home.