As we welcome the New Year, we look back to our most engaging stories in 2023. From honoring staff achievements to celebrating patient successes, we are proud to share these stories of victory and progress.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Jasmin’s Journey

A year after surviving a crash that killed her parents and grandparents and left her with extensive injuries, Jasmin continues the road to recovery with her brother and many of our specialists by her side.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Ryan and Bjorn

Fate would bring two young boys together at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital as they were both challenged by the same illness. Ryan and Bjorn were diagnosed in the same week of August 2021 with the same type of cancer, acute myeloid leukemia. Learn how the bonds of friendship and care from experienced and dedicated experts, including pediatric hematologist/oncologist Jennifer Mayer, M.D., helped make a difference in their treatment.

A Nursing Family

For Jen Rykovich, M.S.N., R.N., CCRN, CHPPN, the pull of nursing was strong. Both her mother and grandmother were nurses, an now she honors the tradition with a photo of all three in her office. “It’s in our blood,” she says.

When Life Gets Tough, Bring Snacks

Five-year-old Jaden always looks out for his baby brother, JoJo. So, when JoJo was diagnosed with cancer recently, his brother wanted the doctors and nurses who were providing extra special care to know they were appreciated. Learn how Jaden “opened up shop” to offer a sweet “thank you” to those working so hard to save his little brother’s life.

Elijah’s Song

Elijah was so grateful for the cancer care he received at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital that he wrote a long in tribute to his care team. After he rang the bell to commemorate the end of his chemo therapy, Elijah and a music therapist played a recording of his song. “There was not a dry eye,” his mother, Sheena, says. “It was beautiful to hear through this song that my son understood what he had overcome — and that he made amazing friends and that he was so appreciative. His strength came through in his song.”

Wynter’s Story

Born in Texas with Down syndrome and a heart defect, Wynter was later diagnosed with esophageal atresia, a condition where the esophagus is not connected properly to the stomach. Her mother, Holley, details her appreciation of Jason Smithers, M.D., and the care Wynter received from our Esophageal and Airway Treatment Program.

Prematurity: Charlotte and Jett’s Story

Born prematurely at 23 weeks, twins Charlotte and Jett weighed just over a pound each and had complications with their lungs and hearts. With expert care from our specialists, the twins have continued to improve, now topping the scales at over 9 pounds each before they went home to their big brother.

The Kissing Corner

A very special spot in our hospital known as the “kissing corner” allows families a moment to offer a reassuring kiss and hug before children go into surgery. Find out why the “kissing corner” is so important to families and staff.

Heart Transplant: Maya’s Story

Maya is forever connected to the number seven. At just 7 months old — she had her first heart transplant. A few years later, she spent seven months in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), and when she was 7 years old, she had a second heart transplant. Read about how our team helped care for Maya and how she never lost her big smile and spirited personality.

Celebrating New Residents on Match Day 2023

Match Day is one of the most important days for graduating medical students. Across the country and the world, these students learn where they will spend the next years to continue their training. Learn about our newest residents.

Hyundai Gets the Wheels Moving to Help Children beat Cancer

A grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels will be directed to the work of Nanette Grana, M.D., with the newly established genetic predisposition program, which helps identify pediatric cancer patients who have an increased likelihood to develop certain diseases, based on the presence of one or more genetic variants.

Anoxic Brain Injury: Paul’s Story

As spring break approaches and temperatures heat up, this family has a warning for families after their child was found unresponsive in the pool. Luckily, Paul survived thanks to quick action from a neighbor as well as several weeks of care from our experts in the pediatric intensive care unit and therapy teams. Read more about his story.