Children's Hospital Association Family Advocacy Day stresses the importance of children’s hospitals

This year, two Children's Wisconsin patient families participated in the annual Children's Hospital Association's Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day. Back in person, participants and their families met with Wisconsin members of Congress. We're so proud of Phoenix, from Sister Bay, Wis., and Vince, from Mazomanie, Wis., who met with members of Congress about the importance of kids' specialty care! Read more about Phoenix, Vince and other kids who have received specialty care at Children's.

This year, two Children's Wisconsin patient families participated in the annual Children's Hospital Association's Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was once again held virtually, with participants and their families meeting with their lawmakers over Zoom. We're so proud of our patient families who met with members of Congress about the importance of kids' mental and behavioral health!

Normally, a patient and their family represent Children's Wisconsin in Washington, D.C. in meetings with members of Congress as part of the annual Children's Hospital Association's Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was once again virtual, with participants and their families meeting with their lawmakers over Zoom. When Carson was 14, one early March morning he went out to his family’s garage and did something unthinkable, something irreversible, something sadly all too common. When he awoke several hours later at Children’s Wisconsin — confused, scared and surrounded by his loving family — something inside of him had changed. From unimaginable darkness came a renewed light. Over the past four years, he has gone through dozens of reconstructive surgeries, and will still have to undergo more. But Carson, now 18, is thriving. He played football at Seymour High School, just west of Green Bay, and plans to attend UW-Oshkosh in the fall. He also wants to continue working as a voice for young people who are struggling, turning his own painful suicide attempt into something positive. Learn more about Carson.

Normally, a patient and their family represent Children's Wisconsin in Washington, D.C. in meetings with members of Congress as part of the annual Children's Hospital Association's Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event went virtual, with eight-year-old Arvan and his mom, Leanna, meeting with their lawmakers over Zoom. In first grade, Arvan started struggling emotionally and behaviorally at school, which began interfering with his learning, his friendships and his overall health and well-being. Other kids were sometimes unkind to him, he had trouble relating to his peers and when he got frustrated, there would be outbursts and running from the classroom. Sadly, he was showing signs of depression and made statements about hurting himself. Staff at Knapp Community School met with Arvan and Leanna and suggested he start receiving in-school mental and behavioral health services provided by Children's Wisconsin. Once therapy started with Kristine, a child and family therapist with Children's, Arvan's behavior quickly began to change. With skills and tools learned with Kristine and modeled at home by Leanna, Arvan was learning how to manage and cope with his feelings and interact more positively with others. Watch this video to see photos from their experience and learn more about Arvan's care!