Social Media Rumor Causes Panic Over Former Angelo Community Baby Buttons

SAN ANGELO, TX – A rumor circulating across San Angelo social media caused countless parents fear a piece of their children's history would be thrown away. 

Throughout the years of San Angelo Community Medical Center, before it was purchased and renamed Shannon South, every baby born was given a 'baby belly button' commemorating the births. The buttons were then collected and placed in a courtyard for everyone to see.

For years the button collection grew into the thousands. The tradition continued throughout the Shannon merger. However, since the south campus is no longer being used for deliveries, the button collection is no longer in use. This lead to a viral social media post telling parents to go get their buttons from the hospital before it was too late. EDIT: Deliveries are still happening at Shannon South however the tradition of the buttons was a Community Hospital Tradition.

"If you had a baby at Community (now known as Shannon south) between the years 2001-2008 & you left behind the belly button with your babies name," stated the post."Such a sweet souvenir, we would love for them to all be claimed, as with many other rumors, they may be disposed of come fall."

After the commotion began,  the user had to update the post telling people not to immediately show up to the hospital.

"Again please do not show up, maintenance man had security lock the door. Shannon Facebook will post dates and times," stated the user in the update. "At my bosses request: please keep a look out on Shannon’s fb page for date and times to be picked up. DO NOT JUST SHOW UP sorry for the change up."

The post went viral on June 11, 2023. The next day Shannon Medical Center put out the following statement on the issue.

We are aware of the Facebook post circulating regarding the Bellybutton Garden at the Shannon South Campus. We will not be disposing of any bellybuttons in the garden. We are planning an event in the fall of this year where parents will be able to pick them up; ample time and notice will be provided. More details will be shared as they become available. Please continue to check the Shannon Facebook page for updates and information regarding the event. Thank you!

Shannon South is located at 3501 Knickerbocker Rd.