Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome Patient Stories

Surgery in a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has eliminated life-threatening respiratory infections by straightening the spine and separating the ribs.

Saquon Barkley's shoes tell a story about his niece Amirah, who has a rare genetic condition and is being treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

A lifesaving treatment at CHOP gave Grace a chance at life, and her family hope for a future with their daughter.

Born with no hope for survival, a specialized team at CHOP helped Madden survive and thrive longer than anyone thought possible.

After being told their daughter might not live past age 3, Isla’s parents were determined to look for a glimmer of hope, and they found it at CHOP.

An innovative device, developed by one of CHOP’s world-renowned surgeons, gave Jonathen’s family hope for a better future.

Landon's life has been transformed after his VEPTR surgery. His lung function has improved; he has enough energy to explore his surroundings,

James and Rachel traveled 3,000 miles to seek medical treatment for their daughter's TIS. CHOP is one of only a few hospitals in the nation that offer VEPTR surgery.

Diagnosed with early-onset scoliosis at 5 months old, Tristan was treated with serial body casting, an innovative therapy that gradually straightens spinal curves.

Mubarak and Khairiah Alqahtani traveled from Saudi Arabia to seek lifesaving care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for their 18-year-old daughter, Arwa, who suffered from a rare disease.