Beneficiary
CHOP’s Integrative Health Program
At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), care extends far beyond clinical treatment. Health and well-being for each child encompass a spectrum of physical, mental, behavioral and emotional needs. CHOP’s Integrative Health Program combines mainstream medicine with evidence-based, complementary therapies, including yoga, reiki, meditation, aromatherapy and acupuncture. CHOP strives to guide each child toward a healthy, supported and fulfilled whole.
Empowering Patients Through Their Recovery
Visiting CHOP for treatment can feel overwhelming or isolating for children. Our integrative therapies offer a source of comfort, hope, and empowerment during challenging times. These therapies not only support overall wellness and healing, but also help alleviate side effects of treatment. By giving children the choice to engage in the therapies that resonate with them, we foster a sense of control and agency in their care, making them active participants in their recovery.
A Decade of Impact—Made Possible by Generous Donors
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, CHOP’s Integrative Health Program has grown to meet the increasing demand for complementary therapies, now operating at full capacity. While these therapies have proven to improve outcomes, they are often not covered by insurance, making philanthropic support crucial.
The Runway’s presenting sponsors, Fred and Bryna Berman — who have contributed to CHOP since 1992 — support this innovative program. “The Integrative Health Program allows for a variety of treatments to achieve patient success,” the Bermans say. “We came to CHOP in the early ’90s due to our oldest son’s health challenges. The types of treatments the Integrative Health Program offers were not available then and would have been a great addition to his overall well-being. For that reason, it’s easy to support this much-needed approach. It is our hope that others will join us in doing so.”
Our Inspiring Patients
Anna’s Story
Anna was experiencing severe back pain, stomach pain, frequent illness and vomiting. But doctors couldn’t determine the source of her symptoms. Finally, one provider recommended the Integrative Health Program at CHOP, where she was diagnosed with fructose intolerance. “They were finally asking questions about things I had been trying to describe all along,” says her mom, Robin. With a change of diet, Anna’s symptoms improved in just two weeks.
Johanna’s Story
When Johanna, then 2, was being treated at CHOP for leukemia, her mother, Gina, appreciated that massage therapy was being offered to the kids. “They were more relaxed during procedures if they had had the massage,” she says. When Gina learned it had been a pilot program and funding wasn’t available to continue it, she started raising money to reintroduce massage. Coinciding with Gina’s efforts, the Integrative Health Program was established, and massage therapy services continue to grow.
Diana’s Story
Diana, 17, was admitted to CHOP with nausea, abdominal pain, migraines and light-headedness — and she had lost 23 pounds. Throughout her hospital stay, she had yoga, acupressure, hypnosis and nutrition services. While there was a physiological reason for her symptoms, she learned to support her mind-body connection to help shape healthful behaviors moving forward. A year later, she had achieved a healthy weight, graduated high school and run a marathon.
Mason’s Story
Mason, 10, was being treated at CHOP for Hodgkin lymphoma and had an excellent prognosis for recovery. But the side effects from his treatments — nausea, pain and muscle soreness — were challenging. Integrative health services like yoga, reiki, meditation and acupuncture eased the side effects, helped him sleep better at night and made him feel calmer. At home, he often used the mindfulness exercises he learned at CHOP. He’s now in remission.
About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Every day, teams at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia make breakthroughs that transform children’s lives. Since our founding in 1855 as the nation’s first children’s hospital, we have made extraordinary discoveries, trained generations of leaders, and advocated for children everywhere. Our pediatric research program, one of the largest in the country, has set a new standard for scientific innovation around the world. As a nonprofit charitable organization, we rely on the generous support of donors who are inspired by our work — and our mission.