In September of this year, World Pediatrics was recognized for 25 years dedicated to healing children and elevating pediatric health care across the globe at the United Nations General Assembly. Founded in Richmond, Virginia, in 2001 by Dr. Julian Metts as the International Hospital for Children, the organization merged in 2004 with Healing the Children Missouri, created by St. Louis native Kate Corbett, uniting with the shared purpose of ensuring every child receives the specialized care they need. Each year, World Pediatrics deploys teams of medical professionals to Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond to provide essential pediatric surgical care, while the most complex cases are brought to St. Louis and other cities around the U.S. for life-saving treatment.
The celebration of World Pediatrics’ landmark anniversary will continue in 2026. This includes its signature event, the Treasures in Paradise gala. Themed A Silver Soirée Celebrating 25 Years of Healing, it will be held Jan. 30 at Old Warson Country Club. Guests can expect an entertaining evening, all framed around the inspiring stories of children who have received life-saving care thanks to the nonprofit. “Treasures in Paradise is always a fun event, but 2026’s gala will be even more spectacular,” St. Louis board chair Mary Pat Brown notes. “It’s a way to celebrate the more than 27,000 children healed by World Pediatrics while looking forward to further advancing the future of pediatric care.”
This year also marks the start of new leadership for World Pediatrics’ St. Louis board. Brown, a long-time supporter of the organization, was honored to take the helm as chair. She is joined by Amy Wellen, CRNA, who serves as vice chair. Together, they bring a complementary blend of philanthropic vision and medical insight. “We’ve got a very talented board, and I’m excited to partner with them—leveraging their strengths and connections—to get the message of World Pediatrics to more people,” Brown says. “I’m looking forward to cultivating relationships with local organizations and building new partnerships. Working together, we can make even greater impact in the lives of children.”
Beyond coordinating medical teams abroad and caring for children who travel to the United States, World Pediatrics is deeply invested in strengthening health systems in its partner countries. The organization provides training for local medical providers, offers essential equipment, increases regional coordination to reduce the need for travel and uses technology to facilitate remote consultations. “We are empowering health care workers within their own communities,” Brown says. “The work World Pediatrics does builds a stronger workforce and reinforces the medical infrastructure, creating sustainable change so even more children can receive the life-changing care they need.”
Every St. Louisan can help further World Pediatrics’ mission. Brown notes that for every dollar donated, there is a fivefold return thanks to in-kind contributions from medical professionals, hospitals and suppliers. “The impact of a single dollar is huge—it means a world of difference for children across the globe,” Brown emphasizes. “Children represent 30% of the population, but 100% of the future. World Pediatrics works to help every child live a healthy life and provides equitable access to the best medical care available.”
World Pediatrics helps heal children and advance pediatric health care throughout the world. Its annual Treasures in Paradise gala is Jan. 30 at Old Warson Country Club. Pictured on the cover: St. Louis board vice chair Amy Wellen, CRNA, and chair Mary Pat Brown with World Pediatrics patients. For more information, call 314.317.8809 or visit worldpediatrics.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at the top: St. Louis board chair Mary Pat Brown and vice chair Amy Wellen with World Pediatrics patients
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
