Although I just joined Terp Thon this year, my journey began long before I even realized it. When I was two and a half years old, I underwent surgery at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, for a rare congenital heart defect. Luckily, I was able to leave this hospital happy and healthy, but not every child who enters a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital is this lucky. I want every child to be able to check out of a hospital and go on to experience a happy childhood like I did. From my personal experience with pediatric illness, I understand how important it is to provide support and help to patients and their families at Children’s National. My experience coupled with my exposure to Terp Thon through various walks and mini marathons led me join Terp Thon Planning Team this year. Since joining Planning Team, I have realized how interested I am in healthcare policy. As a public policy major, I have learned a lot about the economic burden of various illnesses and diseases. People can go bankrupt simply trying to keep their child alive.
As my Terp Thon journey continues, I want to further my involvement, learn more about how the money we fundraise works and expand my knowledge of health care policy to help children and families at Children’s National.