
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Nearly $1.5 million was raised earlier this month at the 2025 Sanford Children’s Gala, pushing forward plans for South Dakota’s first and only dedicated pediatric emergency department.
The funds will support construction of the David H. & Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department, located next to the Sanford Emergency Department on the Sanford USD Medical Center campus in Sioux Falls.
The new facility will feature specialized pediatric medical equipment, including a dedicated CT scanner and the latest lifesaving technology. The design will also include bright, child-friendly spaces, colorful murals, and areas that allow caregivers and specialists to collaborate efficiently.
“The Billion’s momentous gift last year helped us launch the pediatric emergency project, a project that will be a game-changer as we look ahead to the future of pediatric emergency care,” said Erin Sanderson, vice president of the Sanford Health Foundation. “Their gift, in addition to the funds raised at the Children’s Gala, will expedite this exciting project and get us much closer to our fundraising goal to ensure this project meets its promise of transforming pediatric health care in our region.”
Set to open in 2026, the department will be home to South Dakota’s only four fellowship-trained pediatric emergency specialists, the region’s only pediatric ECMO life-support program, and the only accredited Level II pediatric trauma center in the area.
“Pediatric emergency medicine isn’t just about medicine,” said Dr. Mason Ruthford, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Sanford Health. “It’s about being present, being human and helping families find light in the darkest moments. That, to me, is the heart of this work.”
The pediatric emergency medicine team includes Drs. Mason Ruthford, Lilly Yu, Donald Ellis, and Megan Sampson.
Donations to support the project can be made at SanfordHealthFoundation.org.