Meet Emily – A CHOP VIP

Meet Emily! Emily 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. Emily is just one of our many CHOP VIP’s, and her story below shows how Children’s Miracle Network funds have helped her.

Emily was diagnosed before birth with a tumor on her tailbone. Her parents were told she had a 50 percent chance of surviving and were referred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis & Treatment. In the 34th week of pregnancy, the tumor hemorrhaged, causing Emily to lose a lot of blood. She was born via emergency c-section and immediately required three blood transfusions. The next day she had surgery to remove the tumor, which weighed more than two pounds, nearly a third of her birth weight.

She spent 34 days in the Harriet and Ronald Lassin Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit and struggled at first with respiratory issues and developmental delays. Her parents weren’t able to hold her until she was 8 days old. During this time, CHOP’s Patient and Family Services team supported the family, visiting regularly and providing free coffee and baby clothes. “They do a great job of making families feel comfortable during long stays at the hospital,” says Emily’s mom, Eleanor, adding that they also help make Emily’s follow-up visits fun, playing with her, singing songs and letting her draw.

Now 4 years old, Emily is a happy, healthy child who is completely caught up with her peers. She loves soccer, dancing and swimming.

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