Our patients' stories

Chylothorax: Paisley's Story
After surgery, an innovative interventional procedure at the Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders stopped Paisley’s lymphatic leaks.

Ulcerative Colitis: Noah's Story
When Noah was 11, ulcerative colitis drained his energy and threatened his life. Now 15, he has the energy and stamina to play on a basketball team.

Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Shea and Vale’s Story
Identical twins Vale and Shea were diagnosed before birth with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), and underwent fetoscopic laser ablation at CHOP.

Heart Transplant: Amber’s Story
Amber received a new heart at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After years of poor health, she’s now enjoying an active life again.

Interruption of the Aortic Arch: Beyah’s Story
Beyah, 2, has come a long way since having lifesaving open-heart surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia when she was just a few days old.

Prenatal Surgery for Spina Bifida: Avery’s Story
After learning her unborn daughter, Avery, had spina bifida, Katie traveled from Maryland to have prenatal surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Transitioning to Adult Cystic Fibrosis Care: Devon’s Advice
CHOP’s Cystic Fibrosis Center was like a second home for Devon growing up. Now 21, she offers advice to other CF patients making the transition to adult care.

Atrial Septal Defect: Jacob's Story
Jacob, 16, is able to play sports at a high level thanks to the team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he had heart surgery three years ago.
Mitochondrial Disease: Patrick's Story
Patrick is cared for at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for mitochondrial disease. His parents have become committed supporters of research.
Mitochondrial Disease: Lincoln's Story
Specialists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia diagnosed Lincoln, 5, with mitochondrial disease and constantly personalize his care.

Biliary Atresia and Liver Transplant: Parker's Story
Parker is an energetic, fun-loving 2-year-old. When he was a year old, a liver transplant saved his life. The live donor was his mother’s best friend.

Celiac Disease: Molly's Story
Molly’s family has adapted to a gluten-free diet after she was diagnosed with celiac disease at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Hypertension and Williams Syndrome: Harold’s Story
Harold has been successfully treated for high blood pressure since he was 13. Today, he’s a social young man who loves bowling and running.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): Carter’s Story
Even though home was near Washington, DC, Carter, traveled to Philadelphia for ongoing care for the congenital diaphragmatic hernia he was born with.
Celiac Disease Second Opinion: Jack's Story
After diagnosing him with celiac disease, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has helped Jack, 12, and his family transition to gluten-free eating.

Heart Transplant: Stosh’s Story
Diagnosed with heart defects before birth, Stosh had heart surgery in utero, three reconstructive procedures in his first four years, then a heart transplant.

Heterotaxy Syndrome: Finn’s Story
Finn, 3, had heart surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to correct his serious heart defects as a result of heterotaxy syndrome.

Biliary Atresia and Liver Transplant: Claire’s Story
Claire, 3, is loving her new-found energy after having a liver transplant at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Pediatric Transplant Center.

Crohn’s Disease: Jackson’s Story
Jackson, 15, loves to perform on stage. He’s able to perform with full energy thanks to treatment for IBD at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Toni’s Story
When 14-year-old Toni was diagnosed with cancer, her dad told her she was in the best place to get treatment.