I give to Children's National because . . . about 30 years ago my wife and I rushed our youngest daughter to Children's in the middle of the night. From the moment we entered they immediately took care of my daughter--no questions as to if or how we would pay. They diagnosed her with pneumonia and kept her overnight. Again no mention as to how or who would pay. My wife was even allowed to sleep in the room with our daughter. 

It was only just before I was about to leave that anyone actually asked if I could pay. I was so impressed by the care they offered I have been contributing to Childrens for most of the past 30 years. This is the kind of treatment I would like every child to have.  --James F., Washington, DC

 

One can never be thankful enough for the services of Children's.  --Donald N., Huntingtown, MD

I give to Children's National because . . . many years ago my son was a patient at Children's. He felt it was a second home. The care he received was WONDERFUL! And although his illness eventually took his life, I will always have fond memories of Children's caring staff.  --Phyllis M., Boynton Beach, FL

We gave to Children's National because . . . of the excellent medical care and compassion that our son received to treat leukemia. We will never forget the first few weeks after his initial diagnosis as the staff at Children's somehow kept us all going as we learned to deal with the shock of our precious child undergoing chemotherapy to treat his very serious illness. We are very grateful to the entire hematology and oncology staff, both in the outpatient and inpatient areas. We also feel so lucky to have Christopher Lawlor, MD and Mary Yeaney, NP in our lives. These two “angels” mean so much to our family because they both made our son feel safe and cared for and gave us all great optimism.

Children's National Medical Center will always hold a special place in our lives as we watch our beautiful son live a very happy and fulfilling life. Thank you. --Paul & Evelyn, Fairfax, VA

I give to Children's National because . . . my son was a patient there at 3 weeks old in the Heart and Kidney Ward. The care and attention he received was incredible. My husband and I were treated great too the entire time we were all there.

I can’t imagine having his surgery at any other hospital and will do all I can for Children’s National now and in the future even though my son is well now. Thanks to everyone who works there for your love and dedication to children and families in need.  --Jennifer R., Woodbridge, VA

I give to Children's National because . . . at 10 months old, our daughter received treatment at Children’s for Craniosynostosis. We are truly blessed by the care, treatment and professionalism of the nurses and doctors. As our daughter recovered in ICU, we watched the staff monitor/treat many of the children. We were saddened by the children who struggled for their lives--some with family standing by, some without.

We watched the nurses provide care & love to each child as if their own. Our daughter is now 6 years old, and started 1^st grade this year; she doesn’t remember those days. However we will never forget. We hope that our small contribution can help cheer up a child during this holiday season.  --Sabrina & Scott M., Centreville, VA

I give to Children's National because . . . they literally saved the life of my grandson. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank all of the doctors and nurses at Children's National for taking such good care of such a very sick little boy.  He is now a very active  and happy 5 year old.  How could I not support all your good work?  --Hazel H., Rockville, MD

I gave to Children's National because . . .  when my first son was an infant he needed care due to a severe case of jaundice.  At Children's he received such compassionate care and we were treated so gently that I forever remember Children's as the place to go with a new baby.

Additionally when my youngest son was born prematurely and had a mysterious problem we rushed him to Children's. They did exploratory surgery and found a ruptured appendix in his scrotum. They called it one for the textbooks--he was only a month old. The care was fantastic.

I swear by Children's and try to support them every chance I can.  --A loving Mother, Alexandria, VA

We give to Children's National because . . . our son lived at the old Children’s Hospital on 13 Street for two months, 38 years ago. He was born at the end of 24 weeks (three months early) and weighed two pounds eight ounces.  Because of the nurses and doctors at Children’s he is now married and our first grandchild will be celebrating his first birthday this month. We have always appreciated how lucky we were to have Children's Hospital to save our son. --Gail and Jay, Silver Spring, MD

We give to Children's National because . . . 36 years ago our twin daughters were admitted with jaundice two days after a premature birth. One recovered nicely. The other came down with necrotizing intercolitis. She had five operations over five months and was only the second child to survive this disease on total parental feeding. 

There are so many poignant memories of people who were skilled, committed, caring and passionate. Because of this place and the special people working there, our daughter has had the opportunity to become a special education teacher and works today with children who have cancer. 

Thank you. --Darlene & Gene, Las Vegas, NV

Hugs & Kisses Children's!  --Cyndie, Burke, VA

 

I give to Children's National because . . . if it weren't for the excellent care they provide, I might not be here to write about it today. I was born with a congenital defect in my left kidney and underwent two surgeries at Children's before age 5. Thanks to Dr. Rushton in the urology department and the other doctors and nurses at Children's, I'm living a normal, busy life today. I graduated with honors from college and am now in my first year of graduate school.

Although I am living on a student budget, donating to Children's is very important to me so that other kids can have the same high level of care that I did. Children's National Medical Center will always have a special place in my heart and I am committed to supporting its very worthwhile mission.  --Christina K., Washington DC

 

I give to Children's National because . . . a good friend of mine’s elderly father passed away. I felt it appropriate that a donation made in memory of a long, fulfilling life goes to help a child achieve the same. --Daniel O., Silver Spring, MD

 

I give to Children's National Medical Center because  . . . my nephew passed away at the tender age of 6 days old due to complications from a lung infection and heart condition. The family is tremendously saddened by this and I wanted to do something to memorialize his short life and do something to help Children's.

The work of the doctors and nurses at Childrens National was heroic, but sadly my nephew's condition was terminal. Hopefully, through our donation we can help Children's keep fighting the good fight on behalf of all of the little ones and the families that need them.  --Chris M., Annandale, VA

I give to Children's National because . . . when my grandson was two and quite ill with meningitis, he was admitted to Children's.  They took such good care of him there. 

One day my daughter, who was working close by at the time, came to visit him and found one of the nurses rocking him in the rocking chair next to his bed.  The nurse said to her, " Noone had held him today . . . I just thought he needed to be held." 

That doesn't happen in just any hospital. --Marion S., Leonardtown, MD

I give to Children's National because . . . my daughter had several operations at Children's.  The staff and care were exemplary.  I also would like Children's to find cures for all the devastating diseases that bring children to your hospital.  There is nothing worse than having a sick child.    --Alicia L., Rockville, MD 

I give to Children's National because . . . we are blessed that we have 3 healthy children and want to do what we can for children and their families who may not be as fortunate. --Madeline J., Ashburn, VA

I give to Children's National because ... of the expertise and compassion that is afforded the patients and families. At a time when health care costs and concerns are dramatically harming the ability of doctors and nurses to do their jobs, Children's National should be the model for putting compassion and excellence back into the practice of medicine.    --Pamela B., Las Vegas, NV

I give to Children's National because . . . as the lucky mother of four healthy boys I am blessed and want to support other children who might not be so fortunate. --Nancy R., McLean, VA

I give to Children's National because ... my son is a patient at Children's. He was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer in August 2005. Because he was 16 years old at the time, he had a say in his treatment.

After talking to doctors in several different highly respected cancer centers, he chose (with our blessing) to be treated at Children’s National. After surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, he is now stable with no signs of recurrence. He is in his third year of college, and returns to Children’s twice a year for follow-up visits. Throughout the process, the staff at Children’s has been nothing less than wonderful – professional, supportive, caring.

I give to Children’s National Medical Center to say "Thank You". And because I want others to benefit as my family did. --Gaye, Woodbridge, VA

 
I give to Children's National because ... of the wonderful and caring staff.  

My son was born 2.5 months prematurely in September, 2007. He weighed only 2 lbs. and was transferred to the NICU right after he was born. Right from the start, the nurses and care givers made me feel comfortable around all of the tubing and apparatus that he was connected to. They encouraged me to connect with my son although I couldn't hold him or care for him in the "traditional" way.

The doctors kept me well informed on his status and did not make me feel that I was asking too many questions regarding his development. The nurses were so supportive of his needs and my emotional needs as I came to visit him daily. He was in the NICU for about 6 weeks and the case manager was so helpful in ensuring that I had the support  I needed. It was such an emotional time for me that I never really got the chance to thank the nurses and care givers in the NICU for all of the caring and support that they gave to me and my family. I am so happy to report that my son is developing so well and is a happy, healthy, vibrant little boy.

Thank you NICU staff. --Eugenia B., Temple Hills, MD

I give to Children's National  because . . . the doctors in the NICU cared for our son. Even though he only lived for two days---they were very compassionate and caring at his passing.

They later set up meetings with his doctors so that we could determine what had caused him to leave our lives too soon. The doctors gave us good information with both kindness and empathy. Armed with that information we were able to have hope and the courage to try to have another baby.

We hope that we never need the services of the NICU for our future baby. But if we do, we rest assured that he or she will receive the highest level of expertise as well as the caring needed for both the baby and the family.  --Lisa C., Fredericksburg, VA

We give to Children's National because . . . they really make a difference in children's lives.

Our daughter was born with Down Syndrome and a heart defect. She is now 8 years old and has been followed by Dr. Martin and Dr. Rosenbaum since she was 1 month. She had open heart surgery when she was 16 months old.

There are no words to describe how fantastic Children's National is: not only do we deal with AMAZING professionals, but we receive a support from the staff that is priceless.  Today, we live in Florida and we fly every year to Washington DC, so our daughter can still see her doctors. We would not have it any other way...

THANK YOU for everything you do!--Sylvain T., Florida

I give to Children's National Medical Center because . . . a very special little girl was born there on December 28, 2009.  She passed away this past Tuesday, but touched the hearts of many in her short time on earth.  We are donating so that Children’s Hospital can continue to help other little babies to have a better life.  May God continue to guide all of the special people who work at Children’s, and may she live on in their hearts as well.

Thank you for all you do. --T. Long, Silver Spring, MD

I give to Children's National because . . . they took such great and compassionate care of our daughter. --Joshua K., Washington, DC

I give to Children's National because . . . I want to ensure that the care my son and the support our family received while at Children’s National are available to other families during their time of need. --C.J., Hummelstown, PA 

 
We give to Children’s National because . . . Children’s saved the lives of our daughter and our granddaughter. 

Our older daughter's birth was 11 weeks premature in 1973 and she was given a 10% chance of survival.  Children's not only provided the medical care that saved her life, but provided continual family support and counseling during the 6 weeks she spent in the neonatal intensive care unit. 

In June 2007, at 4 weeks of age, our granddaughter developed sepsis and the prognosis was guarded.  Again, Children's saved her and, again, an army of nurses, doctors, social workers, counselors , and volunteers visited regularly to speak to my daughter and son-in-law during their visits.  We are so very grateful to Children’s and its staff and have supported Children's fundraising activities for over 36 years. --Barbara and Herb J., Silver Spring, MD

 
We give to Children's National because . . .our daughter is a patient at the Children's National Medical Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders of Northern Virginia.  After a little more than two years of treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, she is now cancer free and doing very well -- thanks in no small part to the outstanding care and comfort provided by the excellent doctors and nurses at Children's.

Thank you! --John and Stacy H., Centreville, VA 
 

I give to Children's National because . . .  our son was treated at the CNMC NICU when he was born.  The nurses and staff in the NICU were true angels.  We would not have made it through the most difficult and trying time of our life without their care, support and encouragement!  He is now a healthy, happy 8 year old who is full of life and bubbling over with personality! --David B., Alexandria, VA

  

I give to Children's National Medical Center because . . . a year ago today, my son had a biopsy performed at Children's. Thankfully, we received good news from that biopsy. I will never forget the kind care he received at Children's and so I am commemorating this anniversary with a gift.   --Robert J., Potomac, MD 

  

I give to Children's National because . . . the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Children's Hospital saved the life of my older daughter and my granddaughter.  Children's NICU was medically brilliant - and incredibly supportive of our family during those difficult periods. We could not be more grateful.
--Barbara J., Silver Spring, MD

 

We give to Children's National because . . .our newborn grandson was transported to Children's shortly after he was born in Reston, Va.

Upon arrival, he and his parents were treated with dignity and respect and the best neonatal care imaginable. Our son and daughter-in-law were allowed to be with the baby at any hour of the day and the nurses and other care-givers were very friendly and very patient answering questions and helping the parents learn how to handle the baby since he had so many probalems and was connected to many different medical devices.

The treatment he received and the love and care with which it was given was heartfelt by the whole family and friends as well.

Although we lost him on April 3d, the care he received and the love he must have felt will always be cherished by everyone who was able to be there.

Thank you to all those who were there for our kids and for the grandson we will never get to know.  --A. Kimsey, Arkansas City, KS

  

I give to Children's National Medical Center because . . .of the excellent care that was given to the relative of a co-worker. -- Irma T, Washington, DC

  

I give every year to Children's National because . . . of the excellent care they provided my son when he was an infant. CNMC spared no expense in making sure he had every test and treatment necessary even though they had thought we were uninsured. This is an institution that genuinely exists to care for children and puts their needs above anything else. -- Alec R., Bethesda, MD

  

Our inspiration is our great nephew. After his birth he was rapidly transferred to Children's National where he underwent heart surgery for DORV (double outlet right ventricle) diagnosed during his mom's pregnancy.  Today he is an incredibly beautiful, wonderful, delightful and most importantly healthy child.  --Jim and Mary H., Jenkintown, PA

 
  
I give to Children's National Medical Center because . . .my son was there last April suffering from febrile seizures and you did a great job taking care of him!  

More importantly I noticed how the hospital cared for children that did not have parents hovering over them. I am fortunate to have a job where I can take off and still be compensated when situations like that arise.

Unfortunately a lot of parents are not as blessed, and they have to leave the care of their children to strangers. The hospital staff and volunteers took care of the children as if the children belonged to them. That says a lot in itself. --Delphine D., Beltsville, MD 

 

I give to Children's National because . . . I have been so moved by the stories in the Washington Post of the near-miraculous feats performed by the medical staff, and of the thrilling recoveries by the helpless children they treat. -- Pat M, Williamsburg, VA

I give to Children's National  because . . . of the wonderful work you do for children from all over the world. -- Jeffrey H., Potomac, MD

I give to Children's National because . . . I ashamed to admit this, but I've been living in the DC area since 1987 and didn't know anything about Children's National. About 3 weeks ago, a little girl who is like a niece to me ended up in your hospital. I came there to visit her a few times and was touched by the degree of professionalism and dedication that I saw from your staff.

Thankfully, she went home a few days ago, but I had to thank Children's National, and what better way than to support your amazing mission. Thank you for doing what you do--all of your staff, from the security guards, to the nurses, and the doctors. THANK YOU.  --Tabby, Reston, VA