Our patients' stories

Supraventricular Tachycardia: Oliver’s Story
Cardiologists at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia diagnosed Oliver with supraventricular tachycardia when he was 1, then found the right treatment to keep his heart beating normally.

Hyperinsulinism / Hyperammonemia Syndrome: Natalie's Story
Diagnosed with hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia (HI/HA) syndrome, Natalie traveled to Philadelphia for specialized treatment at CHOP's Congenital Hyperinsulinism Center.

Kawasaki Disease and Heart Transplant: Kendall's Story
When Kendall was only 3 years old when he was diagnosed with a rare condition called Kawasaki disease, experienced a sudden heart attack, and received a life-saving heart transplant at CHOP.

Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Tanaya's Story
Diagnosed with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer at age 12, Tanaya continues to receive expert care from the Pediatric Thyroid Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Tassos' Story
When Kristen and Tassos learned their unborn baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, they turned to CHOP's Cardiac Center for help and hope.

Prematurity and Hearing Loss: Anna's Story
Born prematurely and with substantial hearing loss, Anna received a cochlear implant at CHOP — opening her world to language.

Atrial Septal Defects: Matthew’s Story
Matthew was diagnosed with several atrial septal defects during the first weeks of life and received expert care at CHOP's Cardiac Center, including open heart surgery.

Mediastinal Teratoma and Fetal Surgery: Addison's Story
In 2006, Addison underwent fetal surgery to remove a life-threatening chest mass at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Find out how her family is helping others.

Small Bowel Atresia: Zoe's Story
Zoe was diagnosed before birth with small bowel atresia, a cause of fetal bowel obstruction, and underwent surgery at CHOP when she was just 1 day old.

Coarctation of the Aorta and Ventricular Septal Defects: Zoey’s Story
Zoey was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta and ventricular septal defects when she was a few days old. Open heart surgery at CHOP's Cardiac Center saved her life.

Aortic and Pulmonary Stenosis: Matthew's Story
Matthew was diagnosed with aortic and pulmonary stenosis when he was 3 months old and underwent heart bypass surgery at CHOP's Cardiac Center.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): Laura's Story
Prenatally diagnosed with a severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), Laura underwent successful CDH repair surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Double Inlet Left Ventricle: Abby's Story
Abby was diagnosed with double inlet left ventricle, a severe heart defect, and underwent several surgeries at CHOP's Cardiac Center.
Chronic High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS): Faith's Story
Faith was delivered via EXIT procedure and treated for chronic high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Twin-twin Transfusion Syndrome: Ethan & Reese's Story
Ethan and Reese underwent fetoscopic laser ablation surgery at CHOP, a procedure performed in utero to treat twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
Gastroschisis: Brianna's Story
Brianna Malloy was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a type of abdominal wall defect, before she was born. She underwent successful repair surgery at CHOP.
Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence: Taylor's Story
Cherie Lamartina underwent fetal surgery for twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to save Taylor.

CHARGE Syndrome and Choanal Atresia: Avery's Story
Avery was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome as an infant, a series of rare genetic birth defects. Airway malformations led her family to CHOP's Airway Disorders Clinic, where she underwent bilateral choanal atresia repair.
Gastroschisis: Emma's Story
Before she was born, Emma Welsh was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a type of abdominal wall defect. She underwent successful repair surgery at CHOP.

Giant Omphalocele: Charlotte's Story
Diagnosed before birth with giant omphalocele, Charlotte came to CHOP for delivery, surgery and follow-up care by a team experienced in caring for this birth defect.