Donations Fuel Lifesaving Work

Gifts directly support CHOP’s hardworking teams during the crisis

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Children's View

Two staff members wearing PPE Since our founding, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has made it our mission to care for vulnerable patients during trying times. Today — more than ever — we see grateful supporters working diligently to help us fulfill that mission.

Companies and individuals have made financial commitments that provide much-needed funding for essential areas such as telemedicine, testing, indemand supplies, a community helpline and more. In addition to monetary gifts, donations have included in-kind gifts of personal protective equipment, transportation to and from appointments, meal vouchers for patients and families, and food for CHOP staff.

Environmental Services staff in PPE We thank each and every donor who has given generously, knowing that CHOP staff are giving their all. Collectively, we have raised more than $1 million toward COVID-19 relief. Here are just a few examples of the support we have received.

Jump-Starting the Relief Efforts

Members of CHOP’s Foundation Board of Advisors (FBA) immediately stepped up, making some of the first donations to help us respond to the crisis. The FBA consists of volunteers who champion and advance our mission through leadership of philanthropic efforts.

Emily and Mike Cavanagh: Doubling Impact 

Mike, the CFO of Comcast, and his wife, Emily, wanted to be a catalyst to motivate others to give. Their $250,000 donation served as a matching gift for contributions made to CHOP’s COVID-19 Relief Fund on #GivingTuesdayNow, a national campaign held May 5. We raised more than $135,000 through #GivingTuesdayNow, thanks to this generous donation.

Funds and Volunteers for a COVID-19 Helpline

The Poison Control Center at CHOP partnered with the City of Philadelphia to open the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline, providing something of the highest importance during the pandemic: accurate information, delivered with compassion. The public, patient families and healthcare providers outside of CHOP have used the helpline to receive guidance, with more than 15,000 calls coming in during its first three weeks.

The Philadelphia Foundation — co-manager of the city’s COVID-19 fund — supported the helpline with a $40,000 direct gift, which was made possible by donors including Francie Middleton; her husband, Mike Fields; and her brother, John Middleton. A range of volunteers stepped up to offer services and resources to ensure this vital community resource succeeded, including fourth-year medical students at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Drexel University and Temple University. As every issue has arisen — from assessing symptoms to addressing emotional needs — the helpline has been there to inform and reassure the public.

Hearts for Emma: Meals for Cardiac Staff

Paying it forward! The nonprofit Hearts for Emma was founded by Nancie and Mark Rothman in 2012 after their daughter Emma went into sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 12 and required a heart transplant. The procedure, which took place at a New York City hospital, was performed by Jonathan Chen, MD, who is now Co-Director of CHOP’s Cardiac Center. During the pandemic, Hearts for Emma is easing small burdens for everyone in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: The nonprofit provides meals for staff and cafeteria vouchers for parents so they can focus solely on their child’s recovery.

FMC and Madeleine and Mark Douglas: PPE

Mark, President and incoming CEO of FMC Corporation; his wife, Madeleine; and the company filled a crucial need with a significant donation of personal protective equipment. The Douglases are also personal supporters of CHOP. FMC is a member of CHOP’s Corporate Council, a volunteer-based group of C-suite executives from Philadelphia-region companies. These business leaders play an essential role as ambassadors and partners on behalf of CHOP.