Children’s of Mississippi has opened its newly renovated inpatient wing with a $1.5 million donation from Hogs for the Cause to enhance care for children battling childhood diseases.
Hogs for the Cause is a New Orleans nonprofit, which serves as a nationwide outreach program that unites barbecue culture to fight brain cancer in children. As part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s pediatric unit, the donation from the nonprofit was utilized to renovate 22,500 square feet on the fifth floor of Batson Tower.
The upgrade includes 25 new rooms, expanded parent accommodations, and quiet corridors designed to mirror a family atmosphere. The Hogs for the Cause Wing will focus on creating enhanced treatment for childhood cancer, leukemia, and sickle cell anemia.
“Hogs for the Cause is committed to improving pediatric cancer and blood disorder care across the country, and we are honored to bring that commitment to Mississippi,” Hogs for the Cause Co-Founder and CEO Becker Hall said. “This wing reflects what can happen when communities rally together for children. It will make a profound difference for families for years to come.”
According to the nonprofit, the opening comes at a crucial time for Mississippi due to the state’s high rate of children with sickle cell disease and other health equity challenges. Hogs for the Cause is hoping that the state’s only children’s hospital having a transformed wing will help provide specialty care for families statewide.
“The Hogs for the Cause Wing enhances our capacity to deliver advanced hematology and oncology care to children across Mississippi, Director of pediatric neuro-oncology and fellowship Dr. Betty Herrington said. “This investment ensures that families facing the most complex diagnoses can remain close to home while receiving world class treatment. We are honored to partner with Hogs for the Cause in expanding this critical service.”