Our patients' stories

Honoring Kayla’s Legacy
Kayla’s parents founded a nonprofit and have raised more than $1 million for pediatric brain tumor research at CHOP.

Motility Disorder: Arianna’s Story
Arianna, 21, has been treated her entire life for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), autism and motility disorders. Her medical team at CHOP has worked closely with her family to effectively treat her motility disorder to bring her comfort.

Motility Disorder: Grace and Gabriel’s Story
Grace and Gabriel, 14, have had motility problems their entire lives. Treatment has reduced their discomfort, allowing them to pursue their passions.
Severe Chronic Lung Disease with Associated Pulmonary Hypertension: Taylor’s Story
Born 13 weeks premature, Taylor is now a happy toddler, thanks to expert care and innovative treatment for severe chronic lung disease at CHOP.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): Mason's Story
Mason was born with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and had surgery at just 5 days old to repair his heart. Today, he is a happy and active toddler.

Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia and Lung Transplant: Luca’s Story
Luca had to receive a lung transplant at just 5 months old to save his life. Now, he’s a thriving baby thanks to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Pulmonary Hypertension and Transposition of the Great Arteries: Cole’s Story
Cole, 12, is able to treat his pulmonary hypertension with oral medications thanks to a clinical trial at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Coarctation of the Aorta: Christopher’s Story
Christopher had heart surgery to correct his coarctation of the aorta when he was just 6 months old. Today, he’s getting ready to start kindergarten.

Heart Malformations: Brynn's Story
A series of surgical procedures at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia corrected Brynn’s rare combination of heart defects.

Malnutrition: Widni’s Story
With the help of the Niños Primeros en Salud Program led by CHOP's Global Health Center, Widni is now a healthy 5-year-old after years of treatment for malnutrition.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Pulmonary Hypertension: Chad’s Story
Chad, 11, is smiling again after multiple surgeries and ongoing treatment for CDH and pulmonary hypertension at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Gastroparesis: Ashley’s Story
Ashley, 18, has her gastroparesis under control and the energy to enjoy her passions, thanks to the Suzi and Scott Lustgarten Center for GI Motility.

Pulmonary Hypertension: Stella’s Story
A new regimen of oral medications allows Stella, 10, to treat her pulmonary hypertension and live an active life.

One Becomes Two: Abby and Erin’s Journey to Separation
Conjoined twins Abby and Erin were born connected at the head. After 10 months and multiple surgeries, the girls were separated.
CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed Leukemia: Mitch’s Story
Mitch suffered two relapses from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and was out of options until an experimental immunotherapy treatment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia rid his body of cancer.
Pulmonary Hypertension: Lily’s Story
Lily, 8, has her complicated heart problems including pulmonary hypertension under control thanks to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
CAR T-cell Therapy for Relapsed Leukemia: Emily’s Story
Emily was given a third chance at life when an experimental treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia at CHOP wiped out her cancer cells.
Chronic Migraines with Concussion: Haley’s Story
With help from CHOP’s Pediatric Headache Program, Haley found ways to manage her debilitating migraines made worse by a concussion, and get back to living her life.

Motility Disorder: Harrison’s Story
Harrison, 14, suffered from digestive problems his entire life. Treatment from the Lustgarten Center for GI Motility has his digestive system working normally.

Arm Tendon Transfer for Spastic Hemiplegia: Hamda’s Story
An advanced surgical technique helped Hamda, who is from the United Arab Emirates, regain a substantial amount of function in her right arm.