The 18th Celebration of Caring Gala closed a two‑decade chapter of charitable giving, amassing $4.2 million to launch a state‑of‑the‑art pediatric dialysis unit at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Dialysis strips waste from the blood when kidneys can’t. In a clinic, children can receive treatment while staying close to home, avoiding long trips to distant hospitals. The new unit will offer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis options, expanding care for kids with end‑stage renal disease.
Aneel Bhusri’s $1.8 million matching pledge helped the evening surpass the $4 million mark, a rare surge that amplified the impact. Beyond the unit itself, the gala’s past funds have upgraded the neonatal intensive care unit and the pediatric intensive care wing, improving equipment and staffing for newborns and older children alike.
Parents in the Indianapolis area now have a dedicated outpatient center, meaning fewer overnight stays and more time at home. The hospital’s Care for Tomorrow campaign, supported by gala proceeds, plans to offer family counseling and nutrition programs to accompany dialysis treatment.
While the gala ends, the hospital’s partnership with Manning continues, ensuring ongoing advocacy and fundraising. Families with kidney‑related concerns should contact the pediatric nephrology team to learn how the new unit can fit their child’s treatment plan. Consult your doctor before making any changes to dialysis schedules or regimens.