A New Level of Care for Children, Made Possible by Philanthropy

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In December 2025, Novant Health celebrated a powerful milestone for pediatric care in the Charlotte region with the ribbon cutting of the Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit (PICU) at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital—a project made possible through the generosity of Tony Stewart and other philanthropic partners such as Speedway Children’s Charities and supporters of the Hemby Golf Classic.

Construction on the unit began in early 2025, addressing a growing need for specialized pediatric care in the Charlotte region, where pediatric volumes have increased significantly in recent years. The new IMCU fills a critical gap for children who no longer require the highest level of intensive care but still need close monitoring and specialized clinical support as they heal.

The six-bed unit is designed specifically for pediatric patients, featuring advanced technology, a higher nurse-to-patient ratio, and a calming environment that aligns with the child-focused design of Hemby Children’s Hospital. Each year, the IMCU is expected to serve more than 2,000 children, helping ensure smoother transitions from intensive care and allowing families to remain close to home during recovery.

Tony Stewart’s transformational gift—along with support from other philanthropic partners – reflects a deep commitment to children and families in our community. At the ribbon-cutting celebration in December, supporters, caregivers, and community leaders came together to mark not just the opening of a new unit, but the expanded possibilities for pediatric care it represents.

This milestone is a powerful example of what philanthropy makes possible. Because of donors like you, children at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital now have access to the right level of care at the right time—delivered in a space designed just for them.