INDIANAPOLIS, IN – On what’s often called “the most important night in Indiana children’s health,” the Red for Our Kids Gala, hosted by Riley Children’s Foundation, brought together supporters, families, and medical innovators to celebrate the transformative work happening at Riley Hospital for Children. Among the evening’s highlights was Experience Riley—an interactive pavilion showcasing how science, compassion, and community are shaping the future of pediatric care.
This year, the Crossroads Pediatric Device Consortium was honored to be a featured exhibitor at the event, offering guests a hands-on look at the pioneering medical devices being developed to improve—and in many cases, save—the lives of children.
As part of the consortium’s 2025 initiative, Engineering a Future of Healthy Kids, teams of physicians, engineers, students, and industry partners presented their collaborative process: from identifying unmet clinical needs to building innovative pediatric devices ready for real-world use. Three device teams were stationed in immersive displays simulating a classroom, laboratory, and NICU patient room—inviting guests to step directly into the environments where pediatric care and innovation intersect.
Artificial Intelligence in Cardiology
The AI in Cardiology Team introduced guests to the power of machine learning in improving cardiac imaging for children. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with real cardiac images and learn how AI is enhancing diagnostic precision. A live ultrasound station allowed guests to try their hand at obtaining vascular images, supported by team members who explained the technology's implications for pediatric care.
Gala guests learn about AI-enhanced cardiac imaging.
Cardiothoracic Safety Device: Faith’s Story
At another station, the Chest Shield Team told the story of Faith, a Riley Champion patient whose medical journey inspired the creation of a custom cardiothoracic safety device. Guests engaged with Faith, her family, and her physician, gaining insight into her clinical need and the collaborative process that brought her device to life. Attendees could explore imaging scans, handle early prototypes, and speak directly with a member of the student design team as well as a certified prosthetist/orthotist who crafted the final commercial model.
Advancing Pediatric Dialysis
Using a realistic NICU setup—including an incubator, preemie mannequin, and functional catheter models—the Pediatric Dialysis Team demonstrated their work to revolutionize dialysis options for children. With guidance from the team, guests were encouraged to sit at the incubator, examine new catheter prototypes, and even practice deploying them—an engaging and educational window into lifesaving innovation.
Voices from the Team
The impact of the evening extended beyond the guests. For many of the student researchers and developers, the gala was a powerful reminder of why their work matters.
“We had the opportunity to present our work on the pediatric peritoneal dialysis catheter and engage with families. It was inspiring to see so many people connect with our research,” said Sergio Ruiz Vega, a Purdue Biomedical Engineering PhD candidate.
Carl Russell III, a third-year MD/PhD student in the IU School of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program, echoed that sentiment: “To be in a room full of people all aimed toward the same goal of improving medical care for children was inspiring. Presenting a product I’ve spent hours designing and prototyping was a true encouragement to continue this work.”
Joshua Sprunger, a Graduate Student in Purdue’s Professional Master's Program added his thoughts, “What made the night so special wasn’t just the chance to explain the engineering behind our design—it was the conversations that followed. I spoke with parents, clinicians, and supporters who immediately understood the need we were trying to address.”
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the evening, Matt Waninger, Managing Director of the Crossroads Consortium, emphasized the importance of collaboration and community support.
“The Crossroads Consortium is a unique, highly collaborative team of physicians, faculty, students, and industry partners who are creating new biomedical engineering solutions that impact children’s lives. We are hard at work engineering a future for healthy kids, and it was an honor to showcase some of our innovative pediatric medical devices tonight.”
As the evening came to a close, it was clear that innovation, when paired with purpose, has the power to inspire hope and transform lives. The Crossroads Consortium is proud to be part of that future—and grateful for every opportunity to share its mission.
