Our patients' stories

Breakthrough Treatment for Airway Tumors Gives Hannah Her Voice
Thanks to an experimental airway tumor treatment she received at CHOP, Hannah can talk now with her friends — really talk — because all the tumors are gone.

Ketogenic Diet to Control Seizures: Kayla’s Story
With support from CHOP’s Dietary Treatment Program, Kayla is following a modified ketogenic diet and living her busy teenage life seizure-free.
Collaborating to Provide Breakthroughs in Care: Antonio's Story
Eleven years after receiving lifesaving care at CHOP and Pennsylvania Hospital, one N/IICU patient returns to say thank you.

VEPTR Surgery for Jeune Syndrome: Madden's Story
Born with no hope for survival, a specialized team at CHOP helped Madden survive and thrive longer than anyone thought possible.

Living With Congenital Heart Disease: Bonnie’s Story
Bonnie always understood the limitations of her congenital heart disease but, by working with her care team, she never let it define her.
Connor's Spina Bifida Journey
Connor has been in the spotlight since before he was born. Doctors closed a hole in his spine while he was still in his mother's womb. Follow his journey.

VEPTR implants to treat Jarcho-Levin syndrome: Isla’s story
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.

Proton Therapy for Relapsed Craniopharyngioma: Elena's Story
When her benign brain tumor came back, Elena and her family traveled from Ohio to CHOP for 39 rounds of proton therapy.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery for cerebral palsy: Laurel's story
When spasticity from cerebral palsy made it difficult for Laurel to move, her family turned to CHOP for a life-changing surgical procedure.

Seizures, Cerebral Palsy & Congenital Hydrocephalus: Evan's Story
This holiday season is extra special to Evan's mom: her 7-year-old survived a life-threatening medical emergency and is now home with his family.

Goldenhar Syndrome: Emily’s Story
Born with tetralogy of Fallot and Goldenhar syndrome, Emily has endured dozens of surgeries in the past 14 years, and her mission is to teach kindness and acceptance.

IgE-Mediated Food Allergies: John's Story
John lived with food allergies for years until a novel allergy treatment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia desensitized him to his triggers: milk and peanuts.

Cystic Fibrosis & Reflux: Chad’s Story
Thanks to the team at the Cystic Fibrosis Center, 10-year-old Chad is spending less time in the hospital – and more time doing what he loves.

Double Inlet Left Ventricle and Interrupted Aortic Arch: Hailee's Story
After staged reconstructive heart surgery as a baby, doctors discovered Hailee's heart was beating too slowly and implanted a pacemaker to steady the rhythm.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Siena's Story
Born with multiple ventricular septal heart defects, Siena overcame many challenges during her first year. Now 14 months old, she's back home and reaching new milestones.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure: Naadir's Story
Naadir, 13, is recovering successfully from a heart transplant after four months on a ventricular assist device implanted at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dextrocardia and Heart Transplant: Matthew's Story
Born with a backward heart on the wrong side of his chest, Matthew received a heart transplant and is now thriving.

Lessons Learned: Patrick’s Adult CHD Story
As an adult living with congenital heart disease and an implanted heart monitor, Patrick uses his life and health experiences to influence his students' futures.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Charlotte and Michael’s Story
The expert care provided at CHOP’s Adrenal and Puberty Center for children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia is well worth the long drive for the Bair family.

Severe Infantile Scoliosis and Rib Fusion: Jonathen’s Story
An innovative device, developed by one of CHOP’s world-renowned surgeons, gave Jonathen’s family hope for a better future.