Debby McGrath Receives Award at Take a Breather Foundation Gala

Published on

Just Breathe

Debbie McGrath receiving her award L to R: Matt McCloskey (President, Take A Breather), Debby McGrath, Molly McBryan (Director, Take A Breather) On Nov. 17, the Take A Breather Foundation, a nonprofit organization that fulfills the wishes of patients with cystic fibrosis, hosted its very first gala event. At the event, Debby McGrath, MSS, who has been a social worker with the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for the past 17 years, received the first-ever Partnership Award. Debby has helped countless kids and their families, and works with the Take A Breather Foundation to make their wishes come true.

Here is a personal note from one of the families she has worked closely with:

“In 1999, our family was given the scary news that both of our boys had been diagnosed with CF. Their medical care has always been with CHOP, the best of the best. Debby McGrath is that light amidst all of the confusion and uncertainty. We consider Debby an adviser and friend over the many years our family has had the pleasure to know her. She was instrumental in assisting the boys with getting their vest systems and other specialty medications and devices approved by insurance. She also assisted in providing supplements and other avenues to obtain vitamins when insurance wouldn’t cover them. Whenever one or both of the boys were hospitalized, she always stopped in for a visit to see how they were doing, and the boys looked forward to those visits. Seeing Debby at each clinic visit just brings a smile to your face. Debby is a kind and caring soul who always goes above and beyond what is required of her. She is very deserving of this award.”

— The Anderson Family (Chandra, Mike, Tyler and Cody)

Next time you see Debby in clinic, congratulate her on the award and for helping so many!


Next Steps
Young girl

Why Choose CHOP for CF Care

The Cystic Fibrosis Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is accredited for care, teaching and research by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Two young girls smiling

Your Child's CF Center Visit

During each visit to the Cystic Fibrosis Center, your child may see a number of multidisciplinary experts. Learn about the care they provide.