A Promise Made Closer to Home: The Impact of Children’s Mercy in Wichita

Where Hope Meets Home: Why This Clinic Matters

We first heard whispers about a new Children’s Mercy clinic coming to Wichita earlier this year—a possibility that immediately filled us with cautious hope. For families like ours, raising a child with a rare disease, access to local care can be life-changing. The idea of expanded services in our own backyard? It felt like more than convenience. It felt like a promise: that children like Camden would be seen, valued, and cared for—right here in our own community.

Our connection to Children’s Mercy runs deep. From genetics consults to neurology, Camden has received some of his most critical care for his SYNGAP1-related disorder through their system. But it’s not just the care—it’s the people. It’s the providers who look us in the eye and tell us, “We’re going to figure this out together.” It’s the staff who treat Camden with respect and compassion, even when he’s scared, overwhelmed, or unable to communicate what he needs. Over time, Children’s Mercy has become not just a hospital, but a source of hope.

That’s why, when we were invited to the Discover Children’s Mercy: Wichita event, we didn’t hesitate. It was more than a ribbon-cutting or a renderings reveal—it was the next chapter in a story we’re proud to be a part of.

This new 18,000-square-foot specialty clinic, breaking ground near 29th and Greenwich and opening summer 2026, is part of a growing healthcare corridor in northeast Wichita. And while it may begin as an ambulatory clinic, there are whispers of something even bigger on the horizon: a full Children’s Mercy hospital. For now, we’re celebrating this first step—a step that brings specialized care closer to the kids who need it most.

A Day That Left a Mark: Our Experience at the Unveiling

When we arrived at the unveiling of Children’s Mercy’s new Wichita clinic, we were greeted by a familiar face—a small comfort in a room full of bustling energy. At first, Camden was overwhelmed by the busy conference space, filled with unfamiliar sounds and faces. But in true Camden fashion, it didn’t take long before he lit up the room. He made new friends, handed out fist bumps, held hands, and found joy dragging anyone willing to follow him up and down the small staircase. He thrives at the center of attention, and on this day, with eyes lovingly on him, he absolutely shined.

What struck us most wasn’t just the excitement of renderings or announcements—it was the people. We had the chance to connect with individuals from Children’s Mercy’s marketing, business development, philanthropic, and clinical teams. Each person we spoke with showed a sincere interest in Camden’s story. They listened as we shared our journey—our struggles, our hopes, our relentless search for answers. Many already knew who Camden was. They’d heard his story, read about SYNGAP1, and were eager to meet the little boy behind the name. It made us feel like Camden wasn’t just welcomed—he was celebrated.

Their questions weren’t surface-level. They were thoughtful and sometimes hard to answer—the kind of questions only people who truly care would think to ask. We even had the privilege of connecting with a fellow rare disease mom. No matter how many times it happens, the immediate and unspoken bond among rare parents never loses its power. There’s a strength in that connection that defies words—two hearts carrying similar weights, finally finding someone who truly gets it.

In every conversation, we felt something extraordinary: unity. Not just among clinicians but from those behind the scenes—the marketers, the fundraisers, the planners. Every person was deeply invested in helping children like Camden. And when an entire team, top to bottom, is driven by compassion, it’s more than a clinic—it’s a movement.

We love seeing Camden not only welcomed but celebrated. It was clear that children are the focus and the driving force behind it all. The patience and grace shown to Camden brought us relief from the usual anxiety we feel ahead of events like this. Instead, we left feeling excited by the joy it brought him—and the joy it brought us.

A Hopeful Future, Built Right Here

Like so many rare disease families, we’ve logged countless hours on highways and in waiting rooms. Specialized care often means long-distance travel—something we’ll continue to do for Camden without hesitation. But knowing that this kind of care is coming to our own backyard? It means more than we can express. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about being seen and valued by your own community.

Access to this care in Wichita won’t just serve families like ours—it will support children from across the greater region, especially those in rural and western Kansas who cannot easily travel to Kansas City. It’s a critical step toward health equity in pediatric care.

We’re also dreaming bigger. As grateful as we are for a nearby clinic, the prospect of a full-service Children’s Mercy hospital right here in Wichita is what gives us even greater confidence as we face Camden’s future. A hospital would mean access to intensive and emergent care, to expanded subspecialties and inpatient services, without the strain of a three-hour drive. It would mean that when the unexpected happens—and in our world, it always does—we wouldn’t have to weigh time against safety. We could trust that help was just around the corner.

For families like ours, proximity to care isn’t just convenient—it’s life-changing. And the opening of this clinic feels like the first page in a new chapter: one filled with hope, belonging, and a deeper commitment to children like Camden.

This wasn’t just a groundbreaking. It was a promise. One we’ll carry with us every step of the way.