On Saturday, February 10, Linda Del Vecchio-Gilbert, “Dr. Linda”, her husband Adam and loyal companion, Ruby the super dog welcomed patients, their families and friends to the annual Valentine’s Day dance party.

Del Vecchio-Gilbert is a doctorally prepared pediatric nurse practitioner, board certified in Primary Care Pediatrics, Advanced Hospice and Palliative Nursing and Pain Management.

Magnolia Pediatrics is not your typical children's doctor office. Del Vecchio and her sidekick, Ruby the Schnauzer, hold office hours at their zoned approved home in Cranston.

“I spent money on rent since Covid, and 98% of families want telehealth. I was approved for zoning to have Magnolia at my house. So, I will make a little studio,” Gilbert said.

Over the course of those eight years, she has treated approximately 170 patients.

According to their website, Magnolia Pediatrics is an independent pediatric nurse practitioner practice established in 2015. The business is committed to caring compassionately for children with complex, chronic conditions that develop prenatally, during infancy, childhood or adolescence. The care is centered on the child and engages, respects and partners with the family by supporting the emotional, social, spiritual, and physical needs of the child and family.

Sixty-three attendees were treated to face painting, temporary tattoos, a full candy bar, indoor games, a DJ and full food buffet.

"I am grateful for Hope Church (on Scituate Avenue) for treating us like family and welcoming us into their community," Del Vecchio-Gilbert said, expressing her thankfulness for their help and support.

Everything Del Vecchio-Gilbert provides, supplies and buys, the cost is all on her.

"I am not a non-profit, so my husband and I buy everything – the food, activities, etc. Whatever it takes to create a fabulous time for my “Magnolia Blossoms" and their families. Most of my children do not participate in team sports, play an instrument or go to karate. So when my husband Adam and I opened eight years ago, it was not only about the medical care I would provide, but it was also about looking at the child as a whole being and ensuring we were optimizing their quality of life," she said.

Del Vecchio-Gilbert is greatly inspired by her Jewish beliefs.

"Based on my Jewish faith, I believe I am to help the person next to me and not wait for someone to come along to help. What if they never come? My husband sees and puts up with all of my crazy ideas. When the sanctuary at Hope Church is filled with the children and their families, and it is loud as can be,

I step back and remind my husband this right here in front of us is why we do what we do and why he puts up with so much of me and supports me unconditionally and selflessly," she said.

Long term patients Brody and Brennan Smith thoroughly enjoyed the party.

“Dr. Linda’s and Ruby’s party was lit,” Brody’s mom Alli recalled him saying.

Brody also added that ‘there were a lot of people playing games and dancing. I played tic-tac-toe”

As for Brennan, his words were a little more eloquent.

“Dr. Linda’s party was good. I wore my Spiderman suit and mask. I danced with Mom and Brody. The DJ played my favorite song,” Brennan said.

A Magnolia Party ensures everyone who attends has a great time.

“Another patient’s parent shared, “Aiden wants to go back. He wants to know how many more days are until the next party. He hopes it is not a million”, shared DelVecchio-Gilbert.

To learn more about Magnolia Pediatrics and the care they provide, go to www.magnoliapediatricsri.com.