Philadelphia

Once a year, my mom and I take an adventure to Philadelphia to visit my doctors at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Normally, this would sound like a big nasty burden, but actually, it is one of the greatest parts of my year. My mom and I leave our hometown and put in time for a five hour road trip. We love to walk around the beaming bright city in the evening (I live in a small town), enjoying what little one on one time we have together. We walk to our favorite restaurant only a block away from our hotel and we indulge a delicious meal from appetizers to dessert. This restaurant is our tradition because my mom ate there almost every night while I was in th NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) as an infant, and holds deep sentimental value for us.

After staying the night in our hotel, my mom and I get up early to go to my doctors appointment. We always get a coffee first - usually at Starbucks. My doctors are fantastic and I've known them for so long - some of them since I was born. I feel comforted and safe when visting my doctors because I know they will always have my back. As strange as it may sound, they feel like family. With the condition I have, it can be very nerve-racking when anticipating news regarding my health, so it makes me feel very relieved to be in an environment where no matter the outcome of my tests and evaluations, I know that I am in good hands and safe.