Eli and Emett Find Care Close to Home

Mike and Katie see Children’s National Hospital as a colorful, welcoming space that helps their kids feel their best. Their oldest son, Eli, found expert care for respiratory challenges. And their youngest, Emett, was born with an eye infection and spent a week in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“When your child has breathing issues, you feel nervous right away,” Katie says. “But the doctors quickly put us at ease. The team made a personalized plan for Eli to help him recover and get back on track.”

Emett was born during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a stressful time to be in the hospital, but Katie felt support — not just for her child, but for herself, too. 

“Our NICU nurses asked if I needed anything and made sure that I knew about all the services available to me,” Katie says. “They realize that you're an extension of your child, so they make sure to take care of both of you.”

Both children also received care from the world-renowned team of pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists at Children’s National. Eli had tubes placed in his eardrums to treat recurring ear infections. And Emett receives expert treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, including sleep studies to monitor his progress.

From fun activities to gentle care during blood draws, Eli and Emett look forward to their appointments. “Emett calls it Dr. Bear’s hospital because he loves the Children’s National mascot,” Mike says. “Both kids enjoy visiting the sticker drawer, playing in the outpatient area and participating in music sessions in Seacrest Studios. It all makes the hospital less scary to them.”

The family is passionate about giving back and participates in the Race for Every Child 5K Run/Walk each year to help more families receive exceptional care. Mike says, “We’re fortunate to have this world-class facility close to home.”