Newell Normand

World-renowned pediatric leader Dr. Mark Kline shares how Manning Family Children’s is redefining exceptional, compassionate care for kids across Louisiana and the Gulf South. He reflects on the hospital’s remarkable growth, the values that guide his approach to caring for children and families, and the vision shaping the next chapter of pediatric medicine. Dr. Kline also offers meaningful ways listeners can support the hospital’s mission and help transform children’s lives.

At just three years old, Carson was diagnosed with cancer, turning Paige Landry’s world upside down—but the expert, compassionate team at Manning Family Children’s helped guide them through the darkest moments. In this emotional conversation, Paige shares how nurses, child life specialists, and social workers became their lifeline, bringing comfort and hope when they needed it most. Hear how Carson is thriving today, and why Paige believes every donation truly changes a child’s future.

Easton came to Manning Family Children’s after a severe burn, and his Child Life Therapist, Corinne, helped guide him through one of the hardest moments of his life. Together, they share how Child Life services transform care, reduce fear, and give kids the strength to keep moving forward.

We're spotlighting the hospital’s extraordinary Neuro Program and the lives it transforms. Joining us are Dan Schlund and Ella Thomason of Tranesouth—longtime Radiothon supporters whose generosity powers the phone lines and fuels hope for families in crisis. They share why this mission matters so deeply to them and why now is the moment for listeners to step up and make a difference.

Newell and Dave sit down with families and experts whose lives and work embody resilience. Listeners hear from parents John Wood and Adarian Dixon, epilepsy patient Ava Sallier, Parenting Center Advocate Laurie Sterbcow, and renowned neurologist Dr. Ann Tilton. Together, they share stories of fear, hope, recovery, and the extraordinary care that changes children’s lives every day.

Dr. Ann Tilton brings more than three decades of expertise in pediatric neurology to Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Triple board-certified and a professor at LSU Health, she’s known for her leadership in caring for children with complex neurological disorders. She chose this work, she says, because the developing brain fascinates her—and helping families is her greatest reward.,

A routine birth turned into a fight for survival when baby Knyle was rushed to Children's Hospital New Orleans with seizures and devastating brain injury. Diagnosed with complex epilepsy and later infantile spasms, he battled through powerful treatments, setbacks, and countless nights under watch. Now 3, Knyle is learning, communicating, and thriving in his own way—proof of a family’s unshakable love and a hospital team that never gave up on him.

Ava Sallier’s life changed in seconds when she seized in the backseat during a family drive home. Children’s Hospital New Orleans diagnosed and treated her epilepsy, guiding her to seizure freedom. Now she’s an honor student and state-level athlete—living proof that a diagnosis can’t define a future.

Grab a Kleenex: After a sudden E. coli infection left 17-month-old Scarlett Wood coding on the table with catastrophic brain injury, her parents refused to give up hope. Manning Family Children’s gave her the chance to fight—and she did. Today, she’s a fearless 4-year-old sprinting and scootering alongside her big sister.

Laurie Sterbcow runs The Parenting Center, a special place on Manning Family Children’s campus that provides classes, resources and a place to play and meet other families who are navigating the challenges of raising children.