Powerful Care for Charity's Family

My son Patrick was 4 when doctors at Children’s National Hospital diagnosed him with epilepsy. One doctor took me by the hand and showed me around. He told me how they care for patients and what to do when a child has a seizure. Seven months later, Patrick had one at home. I didn’t panic because I knew what to do.

He has been a patient at our Anacostia location throughout his entire life. His doctor guided me in finding resources to help him overcome a speech delay and other difficulties related to his condition. Her care for my children has meant a great deal over the years.

Patrick is now 19 and a high school graduate. Thanks to his care at Children’s National, epilepsy hasn’t stopped him from smiling and doing well in school. That care also helped me when my 9-year-old son Benjamin had a seizure at home. Because of what I learned when Patrick was little, I knew how to keep Benjamin safe until the ambulance arrived. Doctors assessed him for signs of epilepsy, but found his seizure was caused by a fever.

In 2019, Benjamin had a second seizure, this time at school. When he collapsed, another fourth grader ran for the school nurse. She is part of Children’s School Services and called an ambulance. I was so grateful she was there to care for my child when I wasn’t. Benjamin tested positive for the flu, but he was fine. It doesn’t get any better than the kind of loving care my family has received at Children’s National.