12 years old Cerebral Palsy Victoria was born three months prematurely where she was later diagnosed as a toddler with mild cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that causes difficulties with motor control and function. After being scared Victoria would need a wheelchair for the rest of her life, her mother was reassured and felt seen by her health care providers that calmed her nerves. After undergoing corrective orthopedic surgery, Victoria is in active treatment to stra

Before Zoie's 3rd Birthday, her bruise on her leg ended up being Stage 4 cancer.

5 years old Chromosomal abnormality Trisomy 18 & congenital heart defects Brianna was born premature in September 2019 with the chromosomal abnormality Trisomy 18 and congenital heart defects. Prenatal testing revealed her heart would need repair, but doctors in our affiliated neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg were even more worried about the life-threatening defects in Brianna’s esophagus. They recommended Children’s National H

Mariana 7 years old Little sister Loves to color Received care from neonatal intensive care unit When Mariana was born, she was diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of a Newborn (PPHN) meaning she did not have enough oxygen reaching her lungs. Mariana was rushed to Children’s National Hospital via the rapid helicopter transport service (SkyBear) where she received life-saving care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a month. At age 7, Mariana now loves

Last year, I went to Costa Rica with my family. I swam in waterfalls, crossed hanging bridges and climbed cliffs. I felt great.

My mom says they are experts at making kids feel important. I think she is right. That is exactly how I feel when I am there.

Sisters share a lot of things: toys, clothes, and for some, even bone marrow.

Trevor is now 9 years old and is an active and exuberant child and loves running around and keeping up with his older brother!

Today, Luca is a happy nine year old who enjoys listening to music and playing with her dog Tessa.