Chad can't wait

Chad During the holiday season, we are reminded here at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) of the incredible impact our fellow staff members make every day in the lives of our patients. Without such a strong employee family, breakthroughs would simply not be possible.

Our campaign, For Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs, ensures that resources are readily available so we have the opportunity to act fast and change lives for children like Chad.

Chad's story

As a newborn, Chad was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) after experiencing severe reflux and breathing problems. When he was 3 years old, his gastric reflux worsened so much that he was referred to CHOP for surgery – that’s when he received his breakthrough.

Chad had a unique procedure performed at CHOP called a Nissen fundoplication, which involves wrapping part of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus to alleviate reflux. He received very strong IV antibiotics and special airway clearance treatments that many children with CF receive. Throughout it all, Chad remained brave.

Now, at 10 years old, Chad visits the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at CHOP several times a year for appointments with his multidisciplinary team of physicians, physical therapists, nutritionist, endocrinologist and many others. His care continues at home, too, with daily breathing treatments and growth hormone injections every day. Despite his intense treatment plan, Chad’s family works to keep his life as normal as possible. He attends school for a few hours each day, rides his bike, draws, and spends time with his twin brother and older sister.

Thanks to the innovative surgery he received, and his care team with him every step of the way, Chad is living his life to the fullest. It’s breakthroughs like these that we all strive to give our patients. And they can’t wait.

Help sustain breakthrough work

No matter your role at CHOP, hundreds of patients and their families are relying on us all to deliver breakthroughs this holiday season. In addition to the great work you do every day, making a gift to For Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs is just one more way to show your care.

When you donate, you’re helping CHOP continue to define the future of pediatric medicine. You can give to any area that touches your heart. Make your gift today. Thank you for your generosity.