Our Inspiration

Transforming medicine to help more children and their families

Every breakthrough at CHOP begins with a bold idea – and the support that brings it to life. Philanthropy has never been more important at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, nor has the need been so great. Thanks to philanthropic events like Holiday Boutique, new diagnostic tests, innovative research and life-changing treatments are providing answers for families and shaping the future for the patients we serve.

Many of our discoveries have profoundly changed pediatric medicine, while other game-changing projects are just getting started. Some of these programs and outreach opportunities are funded through the Women’s Committee grant process and supported by funding from the Holiday Boutique, including the following:

Wound therapeutics for patients with epidermolysis bullosa

Dealing with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a chronic disease that causes painful wounds and skin blistering, can be overwhelming for patients and their families. The Epidermolysis Bullosa Multidisciplinary Clinic at CHOP provides affected families with the pediatric specialists, personalized treatment and coordinated care they need.

Robotic urologic surgery

CHOP has led the way in robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for urologic conditions. The use of robots to support minimally invasive surgery for patients continues to improve patient care and improve outcomes for children at CHOP; and had led CHOP to develop new treatment options that are benefiting patients around the world.

Palliative care support services for families

Support for families who have children with serious or life-limiting conditions is the mission of the Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care at CHOP. The center offers families the highest level of clinical care and psychosocial support to meet the emotional, social and spiritual needs of families. Funding from Holiday Boutique helps fund healthy meals and parking passes for families dealing with end-of-life care for a child.

Resources for patients; coffee for parents

The Connelly Resource Center for Families provides support to patients, caretakers, siblings and other relatives while their loved one is in the hospital. The Center provides families with a place to learn, relax, seek comfort and get a well needed break – with coffee! The Connelly Center is an annual beneficiary of funding raised by Holiday Boutique.

Early and expanded access to genetic information

The Baby Eagle Program at CHOP offers rapid and targeted analysis of a sick baby’s genome. As part of this groundbreaking program, KJ (pictured) received rapid genomic testing within 24 hours of his arrival at CHOP leading to a personalized CRISPR gene-editing therapy that corrected his CPS1 mutation and guided life-saving treatment decisions. Launched as a pilot program, funding from Holiday Boutique has allowed this program to expand – offering early diagnostic answers to more critically ill infants at CHOP.