Honoring a Daughter’s Legacy Through Philanthropy
For Polly Dietrich, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in her will was an easy decision.
Polly first brought her daughter, Ashley, to CHOP in 1990, looking for the best possible treatment for Ashley’s gastrointestinal condition. They arrived at the hospital with no appointment – just a referral from Ashley’s pediatrician. But David A. Piccoli, MD, who went on to serve for decades as chief of CHOP’s Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, took one look at Ashley and said, “I’ll take them.”
Polly remembers that moment as “the beginning of a love affair with CHOP.” She and her daughter began to regularly travel an hour and a half from their home in Hershey, PA to CHOP for treatment. Ashley was just shy of her ninth birthday on her first visit and continued as a CHOP patient for more than 15 years. “I saw a lot of changes because I was there for so long,” Polly says. “I always felt so bad for all the kids, but the care they received was amazing. It’s a very traumatic experience for the child and the parent. But everybody is so accommodating — the nurses, the doctors — everybody tries to reassure you.”
Ashley died in 2009, yet Polly’s strong attachment to CHOP remains. Her connection was forged “over a lifetime.” She strengthens her CHOP ties with an activity she truly enjoys — volunteering with the Wawa Coffee and Care Cart, handing out coffee, lemonade, ice teas and treats to staff and families.
I’ve recruited friends for it in the past, and some of them want to do it again, too!
Giving Back
Polly has chosen to honor her love for her daughter and appreciation for the care she received at CHOP in a meaningful and impactful way. She has included a gift in her will to support the David A. Piccoli, MD Innovation Fund. When asked why she made the decision to include CHOP in her will, Polly’s answer is simple: “It’s because of my daughter and the care she received.”
By telling her story, Polly hopes to inspire others to consider making a gift in their will. “It’s a no brainer,” she says, reflecting on “why CHOP?”
A Heartfelt Reminder
Polly treasures a letter Ashley wrote to her during one of her hospital stays. In it, Ashley reflected on the bond they forged through those years of treatment at CHOP and for Polly, the letter is a reminder of why including a gift to CHOP in her will has been so meaningful.
I think when I was in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for three months, it brought me closer to my mom. My mom, the terrific mom that she is, came to visit me for 10 days. Even though she had to drive one-and-a-half hours in the car and had to do some things at home. In the fall my mom, most of the time my dad, and me would go for walks outside. My parents would push the pole and pumps. My mom and I were in this situation because I was sick. My whole family was involved in this situation.
It happened seven years ago at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This problem was solved by Dr. Piccoli. Ask my mom if she wanted to take me home — she said yes. It started out sad and ended up happy. We became closer because she was with me most of the time and she knew what I was going through. I look up to her because she stayed with me most of the time. Also, she is my idol. I am glad that we are best friends. That is what a best friend is for though. They are there in good times and in bad. They are also there in laughs, smiles and sadness. No matter what they are still there. That is exactly what my mom is.
I can tell my mom stuff that nobody else knows. Mom, you’re the greatest. I don’t know where I’d be if it were not for her and my family. Thanks a million mom.
This is a true story from the bottom of my heart. This is also dedicated to my wonderful mother. If it were not for her, I would not have had a wonderful mother and I would not have a terrific person who is my mom as a best friend.