Ambassadors

2025 Ambassadors

Patient ambassadors for I CHOP Run, Walk and Virtual Challenge have a big job to do. It’s up to them to represent the thousands of children helped, healed and supported by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our patients hail from the Philadelphia region, across the nation and around the world. Families turn to us for unsurpassed pediatric care, novel treatments and answers to complex genetic disorders. As our patients and families share their stories, they help the world understand the impact CHOP has and why it’s worth supporting our mission to advance healthcare for all children.

Emily’s story

Before Emily was even born, doctors discovered she had a large tumor on her tailbone called a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Doctors said she had a 50-50 chance of being born alive. Emily’s mom, Eleanor, quickly transferred their care to CHOP where fetal medicine experts monitored the baby’s health weekly and delivered her in the hospital’s state-of-the-art Special Delivery Unit. A team of pediatric experts safely removed the tumor and saved her life. Emily left the hospital a month later as a healthy, happy baby with no long-term complications. Now 13, Emily is an outgoing, kind and fun big sister who loves singing, the theater, playing volleyball and listening to music.

Jayden’s story

Jayden was born at CHOP and diagnosed early with chronic kidney disease. From the very beginning, his family felt fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible team of experts from Nephrology and Urology who helped guide them every step of the way. When Jayden’s kidney function began to decline significantly in January 2024, they began treatment – first with peritoneal dialysis and then with a kidney transplant. Jayden’s mom, Tiffany, was a match and donated a kidney to Jayden. Since then, 12-year-old Jayden has thrived. He has regained his energy and spirit and as his mom says, “Jayden’s story is a testament to resilience, love and the power of miracles.”

Quinn’s story

If you met 1-year-old Quinn today, you’d have no idea how much she’s overcome in her short life. You’d just see a personable, sassy and smiley baby who proudly sports a tiny ponytail on the top of her head. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Quinn had surgery to repair her cleft lip in April, and a palate repair is scheduled for November. She’s had ear tubes placed and received both feeding support and speech therapy. Today, she’s eating great, growing well and lights up every room. Quinn loves to swim, play with her cousins and wave at everybody!

Rahemeen’s story

When Rahemeen was only 2 months old she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called beta thalassemia major. When doctors said Rahemeen would require lifelong medical care and monitoring to manage complications of the disorder, her parents decided to move the family to the United States – and close to CHOP – where she could get the best possible care. When her condition worsened in 2023, Rahemeen received a gene therapy transplant. Today, the kind and friendly 12-year-old is having fun with friends, making crafts and hopes to become a scientist. Her personal mantra: Don’t lose hope and be brave.

Sterling’s story

Eight-year-old Sterling loves sports of all kinds. He especially enjoys baseball, where he plays catcher. But repeated injuries to his left knee started to show him down. Eventually, he was in constant pain, relying on a knee brace and crutches just to walk. His local doctors couldn’t find a solution that would preserve his mobility, so Sterling’s parents turned to CHOP. There, specialists in Orthopedics and Genetics work together to uncover the underlying cause of his knee problems and plan the right treatment. Today, Sterling is back to running, playing and catching without pain and just being a kid again.

Zoey’s story

Zoey was diagnosed in December 2018 with Graves’ disease and then in November 2022 with thyroid cancer. Three days before Thanksgiving, she underwent a total thyroidectomy with neck dissection. Although this was the scariest time of their lives, Zoey’s family knew she was in good hands with Andrew J. Bauer, MD, Medical Director of the Pediatric Thyroid Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). After a successful operation, Zoey continues to follow up with Dr. Bauer and his team. Her family says they could not have found a better team to support Zoey’s recovery and credits her current health and happiness to the team at CHOP.