Latest Foundation Stories and News

Patient Stories

A Historic Mission: Caring for NASA Astronauts

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola was ready, and history was made. When SpaceX’s Crew-8 astronauts needed medical assistance after 235 days in space, our hospital became the first civilian hospital in NASA’s 60-year history to provide care for returning astronauts.

Mar 10, 2025
Patient Stories

Healing Henderson's Heart: A Story of Courage

Ascension Sacred Heart has been there for families for many generations. Amelia Woods’ story is no exception. In 2008 at the age of 13, Amelia received a spinal fusion to correct her severe scoliosis under the care of Dr. Stanton from Sacred Heart Hospital’s pediatric orthopedic specialty. Many years later and now as an adult with a growing family, Amelia still relies on Ascension Sacred Heart for their reliable care, especially for her oldest son, Henderson.

Feb 12, 2025
News
News & Updates
Patient Stories

Meet Natalee: Our 2025 CMN Champion

In August of 2022, the Hoffman family’s world was forever changed in a way they could never have anticipated. Their six-year-old daughter, Natalee, who had always been filled with joy and laughter, began to experience some slight stomach discomfort. But when a small, persistent lump appeared on the side of her abdomen, the family’s worry deepened. 

Jan 13, 2025
Patient Stories

Brody's Brave Journey: Conquering Crohn's

In 2019, at the start of his third-grade year, Brody Ryan began experiencing recurring fevers that sometimes lasted for days. His mom, Sarah, sensed something was seriously wrong and advocated for Brody to get some bloodwork done with his local pediatrician. When his bloodwork indicated further testing was necessary, Brody’s doctor referred him to Studer Family Children’s Hospital. After a series of tests, Brody was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, admitted to the hospital immediately, and began treatment. Crohn’s disease is a rare autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation of the intestines.

Jan 12, 2025
Donor Stories
Patient Stories

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Ace Christmas Tree Farm Brings Joy to Patients at Studer Family Children’s Hospital

This holiday season, Studer Family Children’s Hospital was transformed into a magical winter wonderland for the inaugural Ace Christmas Tree Farm, thanks to the generous support of Ace Hardware, a proud Children's Miracle Network Hospitals partner.

Jan 12, 2025
Donor Stories

 S. S. Dixon Brings the Gift of Reading to Patients at Ascension Sacred Heart

At Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, we are always seeking ways to bring joy and connection to our patients, especially during the holidays. This holiday season, we had the honor of welcoming a group of remarkable young readers from S. S. Dixon Intermediate School. Their visit turned out to be even more special than we could have hoped for.

Jan 06, 2025

Women's Diagnostic Center at Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center! This state-of-the-art facility, made possible through the generous support of our donors, was designed with women’s comfort and privacy in mind. It features advanced 3D mammography, ultrasound, and other vital services to enhance early detection and care. Thanks to the transformational gift from the Murphy Family Foundation and contributions from numerous other donors, this community-funded project has created a state-of-the-art space for women in Gulf and Franklin counties to receive essential screenings without the need to travel far. Your support is directly impacting the health and well-being of women in our area. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in making this life-saving facility a reality.

Mar 10, 2025
Patient Stories

A Historic Mission: Caring for NASA Astronauts

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola was ready, and history was made. When SpaceX’s Crew-8 astronauts needed medical assistance after 235 days in space, our hospital became the first civilian hospital in NASA’s 60-year history to provide care for returning astronauts.

Mar 10, 2025
Patient Stories

Healing Henderson's Heart: A Story of Courage

Ascension Sacred Heart has been there for families for many generations. Amelia Woods’ story is no exception. In 2008 at the age of 13, Amelia received a spinal fusion to correct her severe scoliosis under the care of Dr. Stanton from Sacred Heart Hospital’s pediatric orthopedic specialty. Many years later and now as an adult with a growing family, Amelia still relies on Ascension Sacred Heart for their reliable care, especially for her oldest son, Henderson.

Feb 12, 2025
News
News & Updates
Patient Stories

Meet Natalee: Our 2025 CMN Champion

In August of 2022, the Hoffman family’s world was forever changed in a way they could never have anticipated. Their six-year-old daughter, Natalee, who had always been filled with joy and laughter, began to experience some slight stomach discomfort. But when a small, persistent lump appeared on the side of her abdomen, the family’s worry deepened. 

Jan 13, 2025
Patient Stories

Brody's Brave Journey: Conquering Crohn's

In 2019, at the start of his third-grade year, Brody Ryan began experiencing recurring fevers that sometimes lasted for days. His mom, Sarah, sensed something was seriously wrong and advocated for Brody to get some bloodwork done with his local pediatrician. When his bloodwork indicated further testing was necessary, Brody’s doctor referred him to Studer Family Children’s Hospital. After a series of tests, Brody was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, admitted to the hospital immediately, and began treatment. Crohn’s disease is a rare autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation of the intestines.

Jan 12, 2025
Donor Stories
Patient Stories

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Ace Christmas Tree Farm Brings Joy to Patients at Studer Family Children’s Hospital

This holiday season, Studer Family Children’s Hospital was transformed into a magical winter wonderland for the inaugural Ace Christmas Tree Farm, thanks to the generous support of Ace Hardware, a proud Children's Miracle Network Hospitals partner.

Jan 12, 2025
Donor Stories

 S. S. Dixon Brings the Gift of Reading to Patients at Ascension Sacred Heart

At Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, we are always seeking ways to bring joy and connection to our patients, especially during the holidays. This holiday season, we had the honor of welcoming a group of remarkable young readers from S. S. Dixon Intermediate School. Their visit turned out to be even more special than we could have hoped for.

Jan 06, 2025