Our patients' stories

Gloriana: NEBULA Program
Unique collaborative CHOP program combines Urology, GI and Surgery experts to help Gloriana control incontinence and constipation.

Williams Syndrome: Nicolas’s Story
A young adult patient of the Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome gets the medical oversight and critical services needed to thrive independently.

Bladder Exstrophy: Cassidy’s Story
After being born with her bladder on the outside of her abdomen, Cassidy has progressed to living a full life because of CHOP’s expertise in treating bladder exstrophy.

From Fatigue to Fulfillment: How the Hypoglossal Nerve Implant Changed Logan’s Life
A teen with Down syndrome finds relief from sleep apnea through an innovative treatment available at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and few other institutions.

From Pain to Podium: How Riley’s CHOP Team Helped Her Return Stronger Than Ever
After nearly a year of constant hip pain and no clear diagnosis, competitive swimmer and lacrosse player Riley and her family turned to CHOP for answers.
Finally Breathing Easy: Ava’s Story
A 12-year-old with recurrent respiratory infections and sleep apnea finds the expert care she needs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine.

How a Team Approach to Pelvic Health Helped Lilly Heal and Grow
Lilly was diagnosed with bladder exstrophy in the womb, meaning her bladder and urethra had not closed completely and she might have trouble storing urine after birth.

Gabby’s Story: Renal Vein Transposition Surgery for Nutcracker Syndrome
When Gabby’s side pain turned out to be a rare condition associated with her left kidney vein, called nutcracker syndrome, expert care gave her a second chance at a pain-free childhood.
Finding Strength Through Surgery: Caitlin’s Story
Diagnosed with Graves’ disease at 12, Caitlin faced years of symptoms before finding relief through thyroid surgery, CHOP’s 1,000th procedure of its kind.

Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Xavier’s Story
Imagine losing your vision so quickly you don’t have time to prepare for what will happen next. This is what happened to 13-year-old Xavier, later diagnosed with LHON.

From Heart Failure to Healing: Brice's Journey with the Hybrid VAD
A baby is given a second chance at life with an innovative bridge to transplant performed only at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and few other institutions.

Jaw Tumor Removal and Reconstruction: Bryn’s Story
A fast-growing tumor required removing nearly half of Bryn’s jaw. The effects of that drastic procedure are barely noticeable, thanks to CHOP’s deep expertise.
A Wavy Line to Wellness: Liam’s Journey
Two rare diseases lead to an unexpected genetic diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia for a little boy at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Generations of Strength: Kristen’s Journey with Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Congenital hyperinsulinism runs in Kristen’s family. Discover how CHOP has helped Kristen and her daughter manage this rare condition across generations.

Giving Back After Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Care at CHOP: Alice’s Story
After Alice received care at CHOP for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, she donated care backpacks with support supplies for patients as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Gladys’ Story: Minimally Invasive Extradural Surgery for Chiari with a Syrinx
A minimally invasive surgery at CHOP helped Gladys heal from a Chiari malformation and syrinx — allowing her to return home quickly and healthy.

Gene Therapy for Beta Thalassemia: Rahemeen’s Story
Rahemeen no longer needs regular blood transfusions, and her future has been transformed, ever since she received a curative gene therapy for her inherited blood disorder.

Danny’s Story: A New Right Ear with Restored Hearing
CHOP surgeons created an ear canal for Danny and then used laser scans and a 3D reproduction of his unaffected left ear to create a new, custom-made right ear.
Juna’s Story: Hemispherotomy Brain Surgery to Treat Hemimegalencephaly
When baby Juna was diagnosed with a condition that causes debilitating seizures, the future seemed unclear. Then her parents found CHOP Neurosurgeon Benjamin Kennedy, MD.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Ada’s Story
Ada, 6, was healthy when she was born. She hit her early milestones with ease. As soon as Ada turned one, however, her health suddenly took a turn for the worse.