As the first rays of June sunlight stretch across our neighborhoods, there’s a palpable sense of renewal and possibility in the air. Summer is here, and with it comes the laughter of children, the promise of adventure, and a renewed focus on the health and happiness of our youngest community members. This year, the season feels especially meaningful: June is Children’s Awareness Month, and in 2025, National Children’s Day (June 8) and Lurie Children’s Day (June 9) fall just a day apart, creating a powerful opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and take action for children’s health — especially their airway health.
A Month for Children’s Health and Hope
June is more than just the start of summer vacation; it’s a time set aside nationally to recognize the importance of children’s well-being. Children’s Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the unique needs, challenges, and joys of childhood, urging families, caregivers, and communities to prioritize the health and happiness of kids everywhere.
This year, the calendar aligns in a special way. National Children’s Day, traditionally observed on the second Sunday in June, lands on June 8, 2025. The very next day, June 9, is Lurie Children’s Day — a celebration established by one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals to honor children’s health and the advances being made in pediatric care.
Lurie Children’s Hospital and Its Legacy
The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago stands as a beacon of hope for families across the nation. Originally founded as Children’s Memorial Hospital in 1882, it has grown from a small, compassionate institution into a world-renowned center for pediatric care, research, and advocacy. In 2012, following a transformative gift, the hospital was renamed in honor of Ann and Robert H. Lurie, reflecting its expanded mission and reach.
Lurie Children’s Day was established by the hospital to raise awareness and celebrate children’s health, with a special focus on pediatric issues such as airway health. This day serves as a reminder of the hospital’s commitment to innovation, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of better outcomes for every child.
Champions for Children’s Airways:
Within the halls of Lurie Children’s Hospital, countless clinicians and researchers dedicate their lives to advancing children’s health. Two names stand out for their groundbreaking work in pediatric airway health: Dr. Stephen Sheldon and Dr. Debra Weese-Mayer.
Dr. Stephen Sheldon is widely recognized for his research and clinical leadership in pediatric airway health. His work has contributed to major advancements in the treatment and awareness of airway disorders in children, helping countless families breathe easier — literally and figuratively.
Dr. Debra Weese-Mayer has been a trailblazer in pediatric airway research, focusing on improving the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for children with complex airway conditions. Her leadership has elevated the standard of care and inspired new generations of pediatric specialists to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Together, these pioneers have not only advanced the science of airway health, but have also championed the need of awareness, ensuring that families and communities understand the importance of healthy airways for every child.
The Importance of Healthy Airways in Childhood
Healthy airways are vital for children’s growth, development, and quality of life. From the first breath a newborn takes, the airway system supports every giggle, gasp, and shout of joy. When airway health is compromised — by allergies, asthma, infections, or congenital conditions — children can face significant challenges, from difficulty breathing and sleeping to limitations in physical activity and learning.
Raising awareness about airway health means empowering families to recognize symptoms early, seek appropriate care, and support children in leading active, fulfilling lives.
Summer Activities That Promote Healthy Airways
Summer is a season tailor-made for healthy living. The longer days and warmer weather invite children to step outside, move their bodies, and fill their lungs with fresh air. Here are some activities that not only make the most of summer but also promote healthy airways in children:
Outdoor Play in Green Spaces: Parks, gardens, and fields offer children the chance to run, jump, and explore. Regular outdoor play encourages deep breathing and strengthens the lungs.
Swimming in Local Pools: Swimming is a fantastic low-impact activity that supports lung capacity and overall respiratory health, especially when pools are properly maintained to minimize irritants.
Biking on Safe Trails: Cycling builds cardiovascular endurance and encourages rhythmic breathing, which is great for airway health.
Hiking in Nature Preserves: Exploring trails and natural areas exposes children to a variety of environments, reducing stress and supporting healthy immune and respiratory systems.
Practicing Breathing Exercises: Mindful movement and breathing exercises can help children develop better control over their breath, reduce anxiety, and improve airway function.
Engaging in Sports That Promote Cardiovascular Health: Soccer, basketball, and other team sports keep children active and breathing deeply, which is essential for airway development.
Spending Time in Environments with Good Air Quality: Choosing locations with clean air — away from heavy traffic or pollution — ensures that every breath supports, rather than challenges, a child’s respiratory system.
Simple Steps for Parents and Caregivers
Supporting healthy airways doesn’t require elaborate plans or expensive equipment. Here are a few practical tips for families:
Encourage daily outdoor activity, aiming for at least an hour of moderate exercise.
Monitor local air quality and plan outdoor activities when the air is cleanest.
Keep indoor environments smoke-free and well-ventilated.
Stay up to date on vaccinations and regular checkups.
Teach children the importance of handwashing to prevent respiratory infections.
Be alert to signs of breathing difficulties, such as persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, and seek medical advice when needed.
More Than Just Dates on a Calendar
National Children’s Day and Lurie Children’s Day are more than symbolic observances — they’re calls to action. They remind us that children’s health is a shared responsibility, and that every community has a role to play in ensuring that kids have the opportunity to thrive.
At Lurie Children’s Hospital, these days are marked by special events, educational campaigns, and community outreach, all designed to raise awareness and inspire action. The hospital’s legacy, built over more than a century, is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, innovation, and determination come together in the service of children.
A Month of Inspiration and Learning
As we bask in the warmth of the summer sun, let’s take this season as an invitation to recommit ourselves to the well-being of children everywhere. Throughout June, we ’ll be sharing a series of blog posts dedicated to children’s health and wellness. These stories will highlight the latest research, practical tips, and inspiring examples of resilience and joy.
We invite you to join us on this journey — whether by participating in local events, sharing resources with friends and family, or simply spending a little extra time outdoors with the children in your life.
Lessons from Children
Children have an extraordinary capacity for joy, curiosity, and acceptance. Their playful zest fuels not only their own growth but also inspires those around them to see the world with fresh eyes. As we celebrate Children’s Awareness Month and honor the work of visionaries like Dr. Sheldon and Dr. Weese-Mayer, let’s remember to follow the example set by children themselves:
Embrace each day with enthusiasm.
Approach challenges with resilience and creativity.
Extend kindness and grace to others.
Never stop learning, exploring, and growing.
Here comes the sun, and with it, a season of hope, health, and happiness. Let’s make this summer one to remember — for our children, for our communities, and for ourselves.
Stay tuned for more stories, tips, and celebrations throughout June. Together, we can ensure that every child breathes easier and lives life to the fullest.
Dive Deeper
In this video, Dr. Sheldon shares his personal story, from his early days as a pediatrician confronted with challenging cases, to becoming one of the foundational figures in pediatric sleep medicine. His dedication to advancing education, certification, and patient care has touched countless lives and set new standards of excellence in the field. Through his words, we gain a deeper appreciation for his vision, compassion, and tireless advocacy. This is more than a history lesson - it's a celebration of Dr. Sheldon's remarkable legacy, and the profound impact he's made on the world of sleep medicine.
