Providing Vital Support
So much of what the Cardiac Center does each day is only possible because of the generous contributions of donors.
Gifts of every size are critical to our efforts and help support the exceptional patient care we provide, the education we offer new physicians, the advocacy we undertake on behalf of children and the research we conduct to maintain excellence in all these areas.
Below you will see only two of the many examples of lives touched by the Cardiac Center.
Paying it forward: an inspirational story of giving
Before Madeline Grace McAndrews was born on October 5, 2007, fetal echocardiograms confirmed a diagnosis of Atrioventricular Canal Defect with an unbalanced AV Canal and a potential hypoplastic left ventricle. These congenital defects would have to be addressed soon after her birth and at just five days old, Madeline had her first surgery at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She had her second surgery at 8 months to complete repairs.
For Madeline's parents, Karen and Brian McAndrews, this diagnosis was frightening but they were extremely comforted by the exceptional care and compassion they received from the staff at CHOP's 
Cardiac Center. They are now confronted with the joyous task of trying to keep up with a healthy, happy and energetic toddler who loves to dance and is just beginning to talk. "Madeline wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for the phenomenal care she received," says Karen. "We just want to give back. Heart defects are a reality and it takes the generosity of others to help in the care and treatment of these children."
Madeline's journey, though stressful, has also been an incredible inspiration for the family, including her maternal grandfather, Robert Klimasewski. When Bob, Karen and Brian heard about CHOP's new Single Ventrical Program that will focus entirely on finding better treatments for this devastating disease, they knew they had found the best place to focus their philanthropic support.
"We are grateful to CHOP for the excellent care and compassion showed to Madeline and our family during extremely terrifying times. The outcome was beyond expectations. We can't do surgery, advise on cardiac issues or prescribe meds," says Bob. "But we can assist CHOP and, in particular, Dr. Rychik to advance his ability to help others similarly affected like Madeline through a meaningful cash contribution. We are paying it forward and hope others will do the same. Public funding or corporate support is not available since the population of babies born with single ventricle issues is so small."
Philanthropy, whether through small gifts or large ones, plays a crucial role in ensuring that exceptional programs like the Cardiac Center can continue to be on the forefront of providing life-saving care and treatment for children with congenital heart defects. Without financial support from individuals, many young children may not see the same miraculous outcome as Madeline.
To learn more about the many ways you can provide vital support to the Cardiac Center please go to giftofchildhood.com/cardiac or contact Becky Rothbart at the Children's Hospital Foundation at 267-426-6529 or rothbartr@email.chop.edu.
Your gift helps Malayna
Before Malayna was born, doctors told her mother to terminate the pregnancy because 
her daughter would never survive with such a severe heart defect. Malayna's mother didn't listen. She sought hope at the Cardiac Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Malayna had her first surgery when she was 10 hours old. Two-and-a-half years later, she has become an expert at beating the odds — and coloring.
The Cardiac Center is a pioneer in advancing the field. The Center is staffed by highly skilled professionals dedicated soley to treating congenital and acquired heart disease. Our expert team performs more than 1,000 heart operations every year. Our surgical outcomes are among the best in the world.
Donors not only help world-renowned programs set the standards of pediatric healthcare, they help patients like Malayna reclaim their childhood.
To learn more about the many ways you can provide vital support to the Cardiac Center please go to giftofchildhood.com/cardiac or contact Becky Rothbart at the Children's Hospital Foundation at 267-426-6529 or rothbartr@email.chop.edu.
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