Waves of Hope for Mary Bridge

In Honor of River Hylinne & Dr. James Opitz

The Wave is proud to support Mary Bridge Children's Hospital through this special fundraiser benefiting both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This effort honors two individuals whose stories reflect the extraordinary impact of compassionate pediatric care and the lasting difference that Mary Bridge makes in the lives of children and families throughout our community.

This fundraiser is deeply personal for two reasons.

First, it honors Dr. James Opitz, who dedicated 45 years of his life to caring for critically ill newborns as a neonatologist. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to give vulnerable infants the strongest possible start in life. His commitment to compassion, excellence, and service continues to inspire our family and this effort to support children in need.

This fundraiser also honors the life and legacy of River Hylinne, the daughter of one of our own team members, Michelle. At just four years old, River was diagnosed with Batten Disease and received extraordinary care from the doctors, nurses, and specialists in the Mary Bridge Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Throughout her journey, the Mary Bridge team provided not only expert medical care but also comfort, hope, and unwavering support to River and her family during unimaginably difficult times.

By supporting Mary Bridge, we hope to help ensure that other children and families receive the same compassionate care that touched both River's life and countless newborns cared for by physicians like Dr. Opitz. Together, their stories represent the full spectrum of care that Mary Bridge provides—from a child's first moments in the NICU to critical care and support throughout childhood.

100% of proceeds and donations from this fundraiser will directly benefit the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital NICU and PICU.

Thank you for helping us honor River's legacy of strength, love, and resilience, celebrate Dr. Opitz's lifelong dedication to children, and support the families who depend on Mary Bridge every day.

Together, we can create waves of hope for children and families throughout our community.