Event celebrates 25 years of healing children and transforming access to care
Richmond, VA – On October 23rd, 2025 World Pediatrics, a global nonprofit organization headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, held its Inaugural Trailblazers’ Tribute to honor six founding visionaries whose compassion, faith, and determination sparked a movement that has changed the lives of tens of thousands of children around the world. The event marks one of several celebrations throughout World Pediatrics’ 25th anniversary year, a milestone honoring a legacy of healing and the countless lives touched through the organization’s mission to transform access to advanced pediatric healthcare.
The event recognized Dr. Julian Metts, Dr. Fred Rahal, Dr. J. Gary Maynard, Frank Stoneburner, Don Whitley, and Dr. Kinloch Nelson, pioneers whose generosity, leadership, and relentless commitment to helping children not only live but thrive have shaped World Pediatrics into the organization it is today.
“Each of these men shared a commitment to helping children not only live, but thrive,” said Dr. Donna Brown, Chair of the Executive Board of World Pediatrics. “Their vision and generosity shaped the foundation on which this organization stands today and continues to inspire all of us as we look ahead to the next 25 years of impact.”
From a single act of compassion during a medical trip to Guyana to a global organization now spanning over 30 countries, World Pediatrics has provided advanced surgical and specialty care to more than 27,000 children, trained thousands of medical professionals, and strengthened local healthcare systems to ensure lasting, sustainable impact.
Kerry Gray, Director of Philanthropy, shared heartfelt tributes to each honoree, highlighting how each one’s unique leadership continues to guide World Pediatrics’ mission:
- Dr. Julian Metts, whose faith and compassion led him to rescue a young girl in Guyana and, in doing so, inspired the creation of the organization that became World Pediatrics.
- Frank Stoneburner, whose business acumen and faith-driven philanthropy helped establish the organization’s first endowment and sustain its early growth.
- Dr. Gary Maynard, whose enthusiasm and generosity cultivated a culture of giving and connection that continues to define World Pediatrics’ development work.
- Dr. Fred Rahal, whose lifelong commitment to children’s health shaped the organization’s community-centered spirit and compassionate outreach.
- Don Whitley, whose leadership and ingenuity strengthened local partnerships and ensured families had safe lodging while their children received critical care.
- Dr. Kinloch Nelson, whose forward-thinking advocacy helped expand World Pediatrics’ work beyond surgery to include prevention, education, and system transformation across the regions it serves.
“These trailblazers were more than founders,” said Gray. “They were dreamers, doers, and believers in a world where every child has access to the care they need and deserve.”
Alyssa McBride, Executive Director of Development, closed the ceremony with a call to continue their legacy through the Silver Anniversary Tribute Campaign, inviting supporters to make gifts in honor or memory of someone who has inspired them. “Their legacy is not merely in their service, but in the lessons they taught us what it means to be compassionate, dedicated, and unwavering in our purpose to put kids first,” McBride said. “As we celebrate 25 years of healing, it’s our turn to carry their torch forward into the next generation.”
The Trailblazers’ Tribute is one of several events in a yearlong celebration recognizing the organization’s 25-year journey of impact. The year of celebrations will culminate with Treasures in Paradise Richmond, honoring the global community of donors, volunteers, and partners who make this healing work possible.
For more information about the 25th Anniversary Celebration or to make a tribute gift, visit worldpediatrics.org/25yearschanginglives/
Media Contact:
Romina Newman
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications – World Pediatrics