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Patient Stories

Our patients' stories

Patient story

Zion’s story: The gift of hands

Zion Harvey is the first pediatric patient to receive a bilateral hand transplant. He was treated by a team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Patient story

World’s First Bilateral Hand Transplant on a Child: Zion’s Story

An 8-year-old boy holds a mini football in the palm of his hand, gently squeezing it between thumb and fingers, dreaming of the day he can get out on the field and throw a pass. There’s nothing unusual about this scenario, except for one thing: a few weeks ago, this child had no hands.

Patient story

Lymphatic Leaks: Marta’s Story

Diagnosed with a very rare lymphatic disorder, Marta traveled from Norway to find treatment at the Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders at Children's Hospital.

Patient story

Rick, Gert and Their Grandson Sam

Sam came to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment of a severe heart defect. He received treatment and the chance to be a kid. Sam's grandparents, Rick and Gert, are grateful their grandson had both opportunities.

Peter and Bart
Patient story

Peter and His Grandson Bart

Diagnosed with an enlarged heart and related complications, Bart’s family brought him to CHOP for life-saving surgery. Years later, Bart’s grandfather Peter, calls the doctors “real-life super heroes” and sought a way to thank them.

Patient story

Catherine and Her Granddaughter Molly

Born with a hole in her heart, Molly spent 24 days in the newborn/infant intensive care unit at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Catherine, Molly’s grandmom, found comfort knowing her first grandbaby was being treated by expert and compassionate doctors, nurses and support staff.

Patient story

Healthy Weight Program: Giovanna Eisenstein

The Eisenstein family struggled to help their young daughter maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI), until they sought the help of experts in CHOP’s Healthy Weight Program.

Patient Camryn
Patient story

Language Delay: Camryn's Story

Camryn found all the help she needed in the CHOP Care Network to overcome a variety of health issues so she can now enjoy preschool like any other 3-year-old.

Patient story

Type 1 Diabetes: Tim’s Story

In the summer of 2012, Tim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He knew he needed to get control of his diabetes so he could fully enjoy high school and all it offered: meeting new friends, learning new things — and even playing football.

Patient story

Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Cullen’s Story

Cullen Mitchell has neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder. His parents, Kelly and Ken, credit the Neurofibromatosis Program at CHOP with helping them manage the complexities of caring for a child with this condition. 

Patient story

Arterial Ischemic Stroke: Avery’s Story

After a stroke at age 17, Avery worked her way back to the basketball court — thanks to neurology, rehabilitation and sports medicine experts at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Patient story

Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Felicia's Story

Felicia thought her long childhood battle with cancer was over until she was diagnosed with a new cancer — papillary thyroid cancer — in her sophomore year of college.

Patient story

Heterotaxy Syndrome: Ethan’s Story

After learning that their unborn baby had heterotaxy syndrome and CHD, Alison and Philip turned to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for hope.

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