Riley Week 2026 Recap

By: Conor Banks

Every spring, IUDM dedicates a week to strengthening the connection between its members and Riley Hospital for Children –– a tradition known as Riley Week.  

IUDM held its 2026 Riley Week from Feb. 23 – 27. Throughout the week, activities showcased IUDM’s ongoing commitment to Riley and celebrated members of the dedicated staff and miracle makers who make up the hospital community.  

Riley Week began with a Doc Talk on Monday, where students learned from Riley specialists. The panel included Dr. Brianna Liberio, Ava Laufersky, Alex Brown, Dr. Dibyadyuti Datta and Jackie Moeller.  

Dr. Liberio works as a neonatal physician at Riley, specializing in providing medical care for newborns, especially those who are premature, critically ill or have complex conditions. Laufersky acts as an Educational Liaison at Riley, working with patients to ensure they are staying on track academically. Brown is an IUDM alumna who serves as a physician assistant and specializes in adolescent behavioral health. Dr. Datta operates as an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at IU. Her research examines the long-term cerebral and non-cerebral effects of severe malaria. Moeller works as a child life specialist in the Riley Emergency department, comforting young patients.  

On Tuesday, IUDM encouraged its members to learn more about the Riley School Program, which helps ensure hospitalized children still receive proper education.  

Wednesday’s committee meetings offered students deeper insight into the research at Riley. An IUDM Instagram post highlighted the work of Dr. Jenny Belsky, whose research focuses on supportive care oncology for children and adolescents with leukemia and lymphoma.  

On Thursday, IUDM spotlighted Riley Children’s Health Multisystemic Therapy Program. The program is led by Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez and Dr. Amanda Broderick, focusing on the mental and behavioral aspects of a child’s care. The day concluded with a Dine to Donate at Qdoba and Trivia Night.  

Riley Week closed with a victory lap recognizing JaMarrion Young. Diagnosed at birth with a heart defect and sickle cell disease, JaMarrion has endured multiple surgeries, blood transfusions and ongoing health challenges. Despite it all, JaMarrion’s resilience and positive spirit inspire everyone he meets, earning him recognition as a 2025 Riley Champion.