Family "Pays It Forward" After Receiving Support from Children's National

For Mamie and Shawn Moses, 2010 was a challenging year. Shawn’s employer had to downsize, leaving their employees jobless. Luckily, Shawn got a new job with the Department of State, and eventually, the family relocated from Michigan to Maryland. Although Shawn had a decent job, he and his wife were struggling to put food on the table for their sons, 11-year-old Silas and 3-year-old Gabriel. That’s when Children’s National stepped in to help. Dr. Chaney, a pulmonologist, was treating Gabriel, who had been diagnosed with Tetrology of Fallot, a rare heart condition, at birth. When she heard that the Moses family was trying to make ends meet, she suggested that Children’s National sponsor the family. Mamie said, “They brought us clothes, toys, and gift cards. We were overwhelmed by the generosity.” As time has passed, life has gotten better for the Moses family. Gabriel's condition, while still serious, has improved thanks to the care received at Children's National, and Mamie has found a new job. In gratitude, this year the Moses family decided to give back by sponsoring another family at Children’s National in need. “Our hope,” said Mamie, “is that the next family 'pays it forward' when they get on their feet."