Our patients' stories

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Kidney Transplant: Owen’s Story
As an infant, Owen needed three open-heart surgeries. As a teen, he needed a new kidney — which his mother donated.

Holt-Oram Syndrome and Hand Reconstruction: Wade’s Story
From turning a book’s pages to carrying a baseball bat, Wade’s ability to negotiate the world has expanded thanks to his new thumbs.

From Central America to Philadelphia for Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida: Eva’s Story
Eva’s parents came to CHOP from Central America so she could have fetal surgery for spina bifida with the world’s most experienced team.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Cherish’s Story
Cherish’s rare and extremely serious heart condition went undiagnosed for years. CHOP experts gave Cherish and her family, at first, hope, and then a new heart.

Endocrine Late Effects After Cancer Treatment: Raine’s Story
Treatment for childhood leukemia has had several long-term effects on Raine’s health, but this successful college graduate is pursuing her dream.

Kian’s Story: Preparing the Whole Family for Fetal Surgery for Myelomeningocele
Kian’s parents credit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for going above and beyond to support their entire family during their fetal surgery experience.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: Paul’s Story
After successful surgery to correct ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Paul was back to the activities he loves.

Physical Therapy with Dance Specialists Helps Keep Grace on Her Toes
Dance is Grace’s passion, but it makes intense demands on her body. Physical therapy at CHOP taught her healthy practices that preserve her pirouette.

Cyclic Neutropenia: Ella’s Story
For years, Ella’s health seemed fragile, culminating in a life-threatening infection. She now needs injections to control her rare blood disorder.

Celiac Disease: Nora, Alex, Jack and Kate's Story
A family receives surprising news after tests to diagnose one child eventually reveal hidden health concerns for all four siblings.

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: Maille’s Story
A condition that affects vein development caused Maille to undergo surgery on her leg, but nothing gets in the way of her passion for dance and trapeze.

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome: Joyce’s Story
A very rare condition makes Joyce vulnerable to infections and long-term complications, but she remains wonderfully independent and adventurous.

Food Intolerance: Oliver’s Story
No more skipping treats for Oliver, thanks to the Food Reactions Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Beta Thalassemia Major: Nicholas's Story
Beta thalassemia major forced Nicholas to undergo regular blood transfusions until he received a lifesaving bone marrow transplant.

Medulloblastoma and Kawasaki Disease: Gabby’s Story
"CHOP is so great because they support the whole family," says Gabby's dad, Paul.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Heterotaxy Syndrome: Brendan’s Story
Born with a severe congenital heart defect, 17-year-old Brendan is now an accomplished swimmer after treatment from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Cerebral Palsy and New Jersey Transition to Adult Coordinated Care: Mary Kate’s Story
Mary Kate helps others, and turned to a special CHOP transition program when she needed help.

Trisomy 21: Cameron’s Story
In a season of sorrow, Cameron was — and is — a joyful presence.

Austin’s Story: One Nurse’s Impact on a Family’s Journey
As Austin was making a remarkable recovery from potentially fatal flu complications, a CHOP team member served as the family’s ‘rock’

From Struggling to Breathe to Finishing a 5K
Brenna first came to CHOP with a lymphatics condition so severe she could hardly function. A collaboration between lymphatics, genetics and oncology changed her life.