More than 80 years ago, a group of women shared a vision that would save the lives of literally tens of thousands of children. These women began a sewing circle in 1923 called the Le Bonheur Club to make clothing for Memphis’s orphans at the Leath Orphanage. As the Le Bonheur Club membership grew, so did its commitment to children. Soon the Club moved beyond clothing orphaned children to attending their health care needs.
By providing transportation to doctors' appointments, these benevolent ladies became well known to local pediatricians. In 1944, when the Pediatric Society dared to dream of a hospital dedicated to children, the Le Bonheur Club was called.

Raising two million dollars was the challenge these industrious women undertook to build the facility, which opened in 1952 as Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. On June 15 of that year, the community gathered to open the doors of the hospital and tie the key to the front door to a balloon and let it float away—symbolizing that our doors would always be open to all children needing medical care.

When it opened, Le Bonheur was called “the most modern” of children’s hospitals, “having the latest equipment,” by the Daily Press Scimitar.  That commitment to excellence continued through Le Bonheur’s rich history.

Now, more than 50 years later, the hospital has grown in size and scope. Still bearing the name of its founders, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center has grown to be the premier pediatric health care facility for children throughout the region.  Le Bonheur’s clinical excellence continues today with the nation’s largest surgical brain tumor program and one of the top 10 busiest emergency departments.

With a medical staff of more than 550 pediatricians, Le Bonheur serves the health care needs of children from 95 counties within six states. In addition, children come from throughout the United States and the world to the doors of Le Bonheur to receive highly specialized medical care.