Our patients' stories

Acetabular Dysplasia: Angeline’s Story
When hip pain sidelined Angeline Mays from field hockey, she sought help from the Young Adult Hip Preservation Program at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricle Dysplasia: Brett’s Story
At age 13, Brett was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricle dysplasia (ARVD). With the help of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and the support of his team at CHOP, Brett was able to return to the activities he loved.

Type 1 Diabetes: Ana’s Story
In the 10 years since her diagnosis with type 1 diabetes, Ana had learned so much about herself and her accomplishments. She wrote down what this bittersweet, 10-year anniversary means to her.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome: Megan’s Story
As a child with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, little was known about how the disorder would affect Megan Ramsey’s long-term functioning, but she confronts every challenge with an indomitable spirit.
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome: Connor’s Story
When Connor Feehan was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, his family learned that living with this disorder is about adapting, adjusting, and expecting the best. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is helping them do that.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome: Andrew’s Story
When Andrew was born with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, his family found medical help and support at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

A second opinion for bilateral hip dysplasia surgery: Kendall’s story
Kendall Gulli was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia (or developmental dysplasia of the hip) when she was 2 years old. Surgery at CHOP corrected her condition.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis: Zachary’s story
Diagnosed with slipped capital femoral epiphysis of the hip, 12-year-old Zachary faced life-long disability. Thanks to a specialized surgery available at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, surgeons were able to restore Zachary’s normal hip anatomy, allowing him to regain his active lifestyle.

Acetabular Dysplasia: Stephanie’s Story
Stephanie, a runner, was treated for acetabular dysplasia by Wudbhav N. Sankar, MD, at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI): Natalie's Story
While still in the womb, Natalie's heart was already clogged with calcium. Her parents knew it didn't look good. They sought help from national experts in fetal cardiac conditions at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Cardiomyopathy and Heart Transplant: Allison's Story
Thanks to a mechanical sidekick, Allison Carcella pioneered a safer path to a heart transplant at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Chris' Story
Chris was diagnosed with a dilated cardiomyopathy when he was 15 years old and underwent a successful heart transplant at CHOP.

Idiopathic Scoliosis and Spinal Fusion: Jillian’s Story
Just one year after having spine surgery at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to correct scoliosis, Jillian Payne was walking the runways as a professional model in New York City.

Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele): Emma’s Story
Emma’s family traveled from Toronto to Philadelphia to seek prenatal treatment for their unborn daughter, who was prenatally diagnosed with spina bifida.

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome): Evan's Story
Born with Down syndrome, Evan has been treated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia since he was a baby. His family shares how that care has made a difference in Evan’s life.

Plastic Bronchitis and Lymphatic Intervention: Jameson's Story
Jameson — who was born with HLHS — was diagnosed with plastic bronchitis and received treatment at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Type 1 Diabetes: Andrew's Story
Andrew Davis knows the ups and downs of living with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at age 5, he is now a junior at Rutgers University.
Thyroid Cancer: Josh's Story
After the endocrinologist who had been treating Joshua's thyroid cancer said he didn't know what to next, his family turned to the Pediatric Thyroid Center at CHOP for help.

Thyroid Nodule: Jessica's Story
An MRI after a gymnastics injury showed that Jessica has a worrisome spot on her thyroid. Her family brought her to CHOP to be seen by a specialist.

Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Christopher's Story
Chris developed an unusual combination of stomach symptoms that led to a surprising diagnosis - thyroid cancer.