Ambassadors

2026 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.

Alex’s story

When Alex was 2, he began to experience painful urination and had blood in his urine. After a year of misdiagnosis by specialists near his home, his family turned to CHOP Specialty Care at Virtua for help. Initial imaging revealed a large bladder stone and Alex was referred to a pediatric urologist who discovered a second stone in Alex’s kidney. Alex underwent immediate surgery to remove the stones and prevent kidney failure. During surgery, doctors discovered the cause of his stones – a rare genetic condition called cystinuria that affects kidney function. With ongoing monitoring to prevent recurrence, 6-year-old Alex is now pain free and excited to start kindergarten. He’s learning to swim, loves music and has dreams of building rockets.

Benny’s story

As an energetic and curious preschooler, Benny has big dreams for his future: He wants to be the next Captain America! Thanks to the care and skill of CHOP staff, Benny’s life has dramatically improved since he was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome at 5 weeks old. The rare genetic disorder caused him to have seizures – resulting in three hospitalizations by the time he was 6 months old. Medication didn’t help. Instead, doctors at CHOP recommended surgery. Though scared, Benny’s family agreed surgery was the best option. Two years later, Benny is a healthy, seizure free 3-year-old who loves the park, tacos and Peppa Pig!

Brody’s story

Brody’s life has been full of surprises – since before he was even born! Diagnosed prenatally with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Brody required careful monitoring before birth. Thanks to the extraordinary skill and compassion of Holly Hedrick, MD, and the CHOP team, Brody underwent lifesaving surgery soon after delivery in CHOP’s Special Delivery Unit and spent 3 months in the hospital before heading home stronger than ever. For the first year, his family juggled doctors’ visits and hospital stays for Brody. At his yearly follow-up visit, doctors discovered Brody had a paraspinal tumor and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer. After four rounds of chemotherapy, Brody’s tumor returned, and surgery was needed. In May 2025, 2½-year-old Brody achieved remission and continues to amaze all with his resilience, his fearlessness, love for his family and fascination with trash trucks.

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.”

Preston’s story

Preston was born extremely prematurely at 28 weeks’ gestation. When he was discharged home from a local hospital, Preston had an IV in his chest and had a feeding pump. Soon after, he developed a “very serious gastrointestinal infection that almost cost him his life,” says his mom, Princess. The family turned to CHOP for help where he was treated successfully and IV and feeding support were no longer needed. While Preston has experienced numerous health issues over the years, his family says they are thrilled with the excellent care and unconditional support their family has received at CHOP. Now 14, Preston loves video games, hanging out with friends and hopes to become a professional gamer.

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.

Reuben’s story

Reuben and his dad share a lot in common: a love of sports, solving puzzles and board games. One thing both wish they did NOT share is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory condition of the esophagus that causes food impaction, difficulty swallowing and regurgitation. When Reuben exhibited troubling symptoms at age 5, his parents quickly brought him to experts at CHOP who confirmed what they suspected: Reuben had EoE, and their medical journey began. Now 10, Reuben takes two medications daily to manage his symptoms, actively participates in EoE research at CHOP, and is finally growing again. The creative and clever pre-teen hopes to one day join the Major Leagues as a pitcher or manager.

Sean’s story

A smile from 2-year-old Sean can light up any room. The sweet and brave boy was born with a rare lung disease called pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis. He was transferred to CHOP after delivery and spent 4 months in the NICU, with the support of the pulmonary team, before being able to go home on respiratory support and with a g-tube for nutrition. Once there, Sean needed around-the-clock support from his family and home care team. “CHOP taught us how to advocate for what Sean needed,” said Casey, Sean’s mom. “We are forever grateful to the nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists who believed in him and support us every step of the way.” Sean received physical therapy, occupational therapy and feeding therapy weekly. Today, Sean is doing great. He’s keeping up with his siblings, scooters all around the neighborhood, started pre-school and just began playing soccer. He is continuing to improve with growth under the care of Howard Panitch, MD, and his medical team.

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.

Tessa’s story

Tessa was 8 when she began having trouble breathing. One doctor suspected asthma and sent her home. When Tessa couldn’t catch her breath while playing soccer, she saw a second clinician who ordered tests, then referred her to CHOP. In CHOP’s ENT Department, a physician heard stridor in her voice and crackling in her lungs. He ordered an emergency MRI which showed a blockage in her airway. She had trachea stenosis, a condition that causes the throat to close and restricts breathing. Surgery was scheduled two days later to open her airway. Since then, Tessa has had multiple procedures to address the new growths and unexplained narrowing in her windpipe. But things are looking up – she’s had no new growths this year! Her health has inspired her to pursue a career in nursing.

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.