Our Discovery — Your Child's Breakthrough
At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, we’re inspired by childhood — a time that’s full of possibility, potential and curiosity.
That sense of wonder is what drives all of us at Children's Hospital to keep improving patient care and making bold scientific discoveries — discoveries that make our patients’ breakthroughs possible.
For each child, the breakthrough will be different: leaving the Hospital; getting back to a favorite activity; the chance to live a happy, healthier childhood.
To see how we’re making these breakthroughs happen every day, and for every child, read about our patients and their personal breakthroughs.

Shawn's Breakthrough
Four decades ago, children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) didn’t survive. Shawn did, thanks to treatment protocols that have boosted cure rates for pediatric cancer — many of which were developed in part by oncologists and scientists at CHOP.

Zion's Breakthrough
At age 2, Zion lost his hands and feet to a life-threatening infection. At 8, he became the first child recipient of a bi-lateral hand transplant. Now, Zion looks forward to the day he can swing across the monkey bars and catch a pass on the football field.

Megha's Breakthrough
Megha has a severe nut allergy. She spends much of her time and energy staying vigilant against the threat of her condition. Now that she's part of a peanut desensitization trial at CHOP, she's starting to focus more on fun and less on her allergy.

Courtney's Breakthrough
Despite a genetic condition that can cause tumors, and an osteosarcoma diagnosis at age 13, Courtney stayed strong throughout treatment at CHOP. Inspired by her nurses’ passion for patient care, Courtney is now studying to be a nurse.

Natalie's Breakthrough
While she was still in the womb, Natalie’s arteries were already clogged with calcium due to a rare genetic condition. She was given the gift of childhood thanks to an innovative treatment developed at CHOP.

Allison's Breakthrough
Most children who need a heart transplant wait in the hospital for months or even years for a donor organ. With the help of a ventricular assist device, Allison became the first CHOP patient to go home while she waited for her new heart.