Patient Impact Stories

Your generosity helps us connect care, community, and discovery to help every child grow up stronger. Because of your support, we can deliver compassionate care every day. You help us respond to our community’s most urgent needs in real time as we pursue the next big breakthrough in pediatric medicine.

Care and Safety for Cate in the Time of COVID-19

Cate first came to Children's National at just 3 months of age. Now a year old, her parents made a gift to support our COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Little did they know, they would soon need Children's services once again.

Rare Surgery Saves a Boy’s Arm….and Life

Brayden is a boy who loves sharks, snakes, and playing with his little brother. What most people don't know, however, is that Brayden's life and left arm were saved by a rare surgery performed at Children's National.

Sammy’s Story: Growing Up Stronger Thanks to Innovative Treatment

When Sammy arrived at Children's National he was only 20 months old. The last six months had been a nightmare of vomiting, weight loss, and vision and movement problems. The Neurology and Neurosurgery team diagnosed Sammy with a hypothalamic tumor—a growth that had severely pressed upon his optic nerve and caused spinal fluid to collect around his brain.

Xochitl’s Story

During Xochitl's 45-day stay at Children's National following her surgery, she met patients whose families couldn't pay for their care, and she wanted to help. So when Xochitl learned about the Race for Every Child—which raises money to ensure that all Children's National patients receive the best treatment possible, regardless of their family's ability to pay—she made sure her whole family signed up.

Molly's Story: Innovative Therapy Helps Teen Dancer Stay Healthy and Cancer Free

"When Molly's pain was becoming unbearable, the doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and volunteers worked together to make her more comfortable and happy," says her mom, Christy. "When the day finally arrived to leave the hospital, there was a celebration of noise makers, bubbles, and cheers all the way down the hallway."

Ariana: Thriving after Surviving Cancer

Since she was a young child, Ariana has always been an energetic and outgoing girl with an infectious smile. But everything changed two years ago when she began acting lethargic and complained of stomach pain. Her parents immediately took her to the local emergency room.

Tess and Alexander

"Every time we go into Children's National for a routine checkup, we end up with whole new treatments, new devices to use, that really give me the reassurance that we're on top of it, we're attacking it, and making as much progress as we possibly can," said George.

COVID-19 Can't Stop Our Family-Focused Care

In April, a mother and two children arrived in our emergency department. Their father had COVID-19. See how Dr. Shireen Atabaki and team were able to assist, thanks to support from friends like you.