Meet Benjamin – A CHOP VIP

Meet Benjamin! Benjamin is a CHOP VIP (Very Important Patient). Our CHOP VIP’s are some of our patient ambassador’s that let us share their story and experience with our amazing corporate partners. Benjamin is just one of our many CHOP VIP’s, and his story below shows how Children’s Miracle Network funds have helped him.

From the moment he was born, Benjamin suffered severe reflux, vomiting and diarrhea. He couldn’t tolerate breast milk and most infant formula, so he struggled to gain weight. His cry — which was more like a scream — was evidence that he was in excruciating pain. His parents took him to doctor after doctor, but no one could pinpoint the problem.

After months of anguish, his parents sought care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and finally got adiagnosis: food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), a rare food allergy. CHOP is one of the only hospitals in the country with a specialized clinic for FPIES.

Care involved all-day evaluations to determine which foods were triggering Benjamin’s symptoms. During those long stays at the Hospital, the Patient and Family Services team at CHOP would keep Benjamin entertained with fun activities. “If it wasn’t for them, he probably wouldn’t have made it the whole day,” says Benjamin’s mom, Danielle. “They made sure he had whatever he wanted.” With the removal of Benjamin’s trigger foods, his symptoms have subsided. He is now happy, free of pain, gaining weight and thriving.

Funds raised through Children’s Miracle Network support CHOP’s Patient and Family Services programs, which help children like Benjamin and their families cope with the hospital experience.