2026 Mid-Year Key Moments and Accomplishments

Every day at Boys Town brings new opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families nationwide. As we reach the midpoint of 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back on the progress, achievements, and inspiring stories that have defined the year so far. From expanding programs and services to celebrating the successes of those we serve, these highlights show our ongoing commitment to supporting children and families.

✝️ Boys Town Founder Father Flanagan Moves One Step Closer to Sainthood After Being Declared “Venerable”

Pope Leo XIV has declared Boys Town founder Father Edward J. Flanagan "Venerable," recognizing the heroic virtue of the priest whose belief that "there is no such thing as a bad boy" transformed the lives of countless children. Tom Lynch, Boys Town's official historian, shares what this milestone means and the next steps on Father Flanagan's path to sainthood. Hear how his legacy continues to inspire today ► ►

🏆 Gabrielle Merchant, Au.D., Ph.D., honored with the 2026 Omaha Woman in Science Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation

Gabrielle Merchant, Au.D., Ph.D., was recognized with the 2026 Omaha Woman in Science Award for her groundbreaking research and dedication to improving hearing care for children and specialized populations. The honor celebrates her contributions to scientific discovery, innovation, and advocacy. Learn more about her impact ► ►

🏈 Outland Trophy Winner Spencer Fano Visits Boys Town Ahead of Award Ceremony

Before taking the stage at Omaha's annual Outland Trophy Awards Dinner, Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano visited Boys Town's Hall of History. His visit celebrated not only a remarkable season, but also the athletes and traditions that have defined the Outland Trophy for eight decades. See highlights from his visit to Boys Town ►►

👂 Reimagining Hearing Care: Boys Town Launches AI-Powered Hearing Aid Initiative

Children who wear hearing aids often need frequent earmold replacements as they grow. Boys Town researchers are using artificial intelligence and 3D printing technology to create custom-fit solutions without traditional ear impressions, making care more convenient and accessible for families. Learn how this breakthrough could improve outcomes for children everywhere ► ►

⭐ Advancing Science That Makes a Difference for Children and Families

Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research are bringing new hope for earlier detection and treatment. Rapid advances now include blood-based diagnostics, emerging therapies that can slow progression, and improved imaging tools that help identify the disease sooner. At Boys Town National Research Hospital, researchers are using advanced brain imaging to better understand how Alzheimer’s develops in its earliest stages. 

Children with hearing differences often show a wide range of outcomes in language development and school performance, and researchers are working to understand why. At Boys Town National Research Hospital, scientists are studying what happens in the brain in the split seconds before a decision is made to better understand how children process information. Using high-resolution MEG brain imaging, they are examining real-time neural activity to identify where learning pathways may differ.

Test results used to measure learning and thinking skills can be influenced by how a test is designed, not just by a child’s abilities. At Boys Town National Research Hospital, researchers led by Hope Lancaster, Ph.D., are studying how different nonverbal IQ tests draw on skills such as attention, memory, and language, and how those differences can affect results used for diagnoses and school services. Their findings show that tests can produce different outcomes for the same child depending on the skills each assessment requires, highlighting the need for careful interpretation.

📱 Expanding Hope and Support Through the OPS Partnership

Boys Town’s partnership with Omaha Public Schools has led to remarkable growth in youth mental health engagement, with downloads of the Your Life Your Voice app rising from 2,347 in 2024 to 78,459 in 2025. Through expanded training, coping skills kits, and district-wide access to resources, the collaboration is helping students and educators better support mental wellness and safety across schools. See how this partnership is making a difference ► ►

🏡 A Boys Town North Florida Full Circle Story: From Foster Youth to Foster Parent, Tryton Returns “Home”

The only thing consistent in Tryton’s early life was change as he and his younger brother moved from place to place before entering foster care. Everything shifted when he arrived at a Family Home at Boys Town North Florida where he experienced stability for the first time under Family-Teachers Wayne and Aiysha. Years later after graduating college and building a family of his own Tryton returned to Boys Town as a Family-Teacher alongside his wife to help provide the same life-changing support for others. Read Tryton’s full story ► ►

🤝 How Innovation Is Strengthening the Boys Town National Hotline

At the AWS Imagine for Nonprofits Conference, Boys Town highlighted how innovation is enhancing the life-saving work of the Boys Town National Hotline. Through a partnership with Arizona State University’s AI Cloud Innovation Center and Amazon Web Services, an AI-powered quality assurance system is helping improve consistency, accuracy, and support for every caller in crisis. See how every call makes a difference ► ►

🗣️ From First Words to Brighter Futures: Boys Town Studies Early Language Development

Not all children follow the same path to their first words, and Boys Town National Research Hospital is working to understand why. Through the Emerging Language Knowledge (ELK) Lab, researchers are studying late talkers and developmental language disorder (DLD), which can affect learning, social development, and long-term success. Their goal is to improve early identification and support so more children can succeed in school and beyond ► ►

⚾ Boys Town Welcomes Former MLB All-Star for Annual Fundraiser

Boys Town hosted its 59th Annual Booster Banquet on May 7, 2026, bringing together supporters, families, and community members for an evening celebrating student-athletes and raising funds for Boys Town athletic programs. The event featured a VIP reception, silent auction, dinner, and a special appearance by World Series champion and three-time MLB All-Star Anthony Rizzo, highlighting the impact sports have on youth development. Read the full story ► ►

❤️ A Legacy of Family: How Boys Town Shaped Generations of the Wherry Family

What began as a life-changing experience for Joe Wherry Sr. at Boys Town grew into a legacy that continues to impact generations of his family today. Through resilience, service, and an unwavering belief in the importance of family, the Wherrys demonstrate how one opportunity can create a lasting ripple effect for decades to come. See how Boys Town shaped generations of one family ► ►

🧬 Boys Town Among First in U.S. to Administer ITVISMA for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Boys Town National Research Hospital recently became the first site west of the Mississippi River—and only the fourth in the country—to administer ITVISMA, a newly FDA-approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This groundbreaking gene therapy offers new hope for eligible patients and reflects Boys Town's commitment to providing the latest advancements in pediatric care. Learn more about this breakthrough therapy ► ►

🧠 Boys Town Named Batten Disease Center of Excellence Affiliate Center

Boys Town National Research Hospital has been named an Affiliate Center in the Batten Disease Clinical Center of Excellence Program, joining a national network dedicated to providing specialized care for patients and families affected by Batten disease. This recognition highlights Boys Town's expertise in diagnosing and treating rare conditions while delivering compassionate, coordinated care close to home. Read about this important milestone ► ►

🏗️ Boys Town Hospital Expansion Continues to Take Shape

Construction is making steady progress on the 254,000-square-foot expansion at Boys Town National Research Hospital. From a towering 200-ton crane to completed foundations and new parking facilities, each milestone brings Boys Town closer to transforming the future of childhood health. Be sure to watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at the latest progress on the project. See the latest construction updates ► ►