Families Around the DMV Come Together for One Special Cause

Eight-year-old twins Arin and Nya from DC, baby Chase of Gaithersburg, MD, and teenager Noah from Alexandria, VA may not know one another, but they all share a special connection—Children’s National Health System.

Twins Arin and Nya were born prematurely in late December 2004 after an emergency C-section because their lives were in danger. Eventually the twins came home but soon after were taken to Children’s National for their treatment and care, so they could develop properly. Today the twins are thriving in school and active in basketball and ballet.

When Chase’s mom, Melissa, was just 18 weeks along in her pregnancy, doctors discovered Chase had a heart defect. A few months after birth, Chase was operated on at Children’s National to repair an atrioventricular septal defect of the heart. Typically, the heart has four chambers and Chase had only three and there was no separation between the bottom two chambers. Doctors at Children’s National were able to separate the chambers using tissue from the outside of her heart. Chase has had some complications along the way, but with the help and care of her medical team at Children’s National, she is doing well. Her parents say she is looking forward to starting swimming and ballet classes soon.

Basketball enthusiast Noah Coffman was diagnosed with scoliosis—curvature of the spine. He was placed in a brace, but after many nagging months it was clear that he would need surgery. His surgery was in March 2014, which lasted for eight full hours. Since then he has been recovering well and looking forward to participating in P.E. and contact sports in the fall.

As diverse as their stories are, these families’ lives have been changed by the committed and expert care of the world-class medical teams at Children’s National.

Because of this, they share yet another bond— A commitment to giving back and supporting Children’s National.

On September 13 at Freedom Plaza, these grateful patients, families and thousands of others from the community will Race for Every Child to support Children’s National Health System, which treats and cares for every child that walks through its doors, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

Sign up today to run, walk, skip, stroll or volunteer for some of our most vulnerable kids in need. Superheroes, games and activities round out a morning of fun with a serious purpose. So get your cardio and tennis shoes on and see you at the finish line. Go to www.RaceForEveryChild.org and also see an inspiring video @childrenshealth 5K http://t.co/zd8h35sWne.