In the quiet corners of Gig Harbor and across our nation, a shadow is falling over families who simply want their children to grow up healthy, happy, and authentic. For many, the doctor’s office—once a place of trust and science—has become a landscape of uncertainty.

We are currently navigating a period of significant regulatory shifts. New federal mandates are being used to challenge the rights of parents and youth to access gender-affirming care. Most notably, a series of recent executive orders and proposed federal rules have begun to leverage Medicare and Medicaid funding to pressure major children's hospital systems. Because nearly every hospital in the country relies on these funds to survive, many are being forced to choose between their financial existence and the care they provide to gender-diverse youth.

This landscape effectively creates a barrier that bypasses state protections—even here in Washington—and overlooks the long-standing recommendations of our nation’s leading medical associations. While the motivations behind these changes are deeply rooted in the political climate of the day, the real-world impact is felt in the lives of children whose essential care is being interrupted.

A Message from Jonathan Tomas: The "Old Guard"This moment in history carries a heavy resonance for those of us who have seen these patterns before."I grew up in a time and place when the same vicious war was being waged against gay kids and adults alike. I remember the isolation, the fear, and the silence of those who should have been our defenders. We in the 'old guard' will fight for this generation in ways nobody did for us in the past. Our goal at KiDS 0 to 18 is simple: to ensure the kids of today can be free to just be kids—loved, healthy, happy, and above all, safe in a country that is supposed to protect their freedom to be themselves."

At KiDS 0 to 18, we refuse to see a vulnerable group marginalized for political gain. We are standing the watch so that our youth don't have to.

Ensuring a Seamless Transition of CareBecause of these shifting federal policies, many families who previously relied on major regional hospitals now find themselves stranded, their continuity of care abruptly halted. We want you to know: You are not alone, and your care does not have to end.

KiDS 0 to 18 Integrative Pediatrics is partnering with community experts to provide a seamless transition of care for youth displaced by these new restrictions. As a private practice, we are uniquely positioned to remain a safe haven. Here, medical decisions are made by parents, patients, and providers—grounded in health, safety, and mutual respect. We have become a refuge for those previously served by organizations that are now restricted from providing this care.