Unstoppable
A letter from Elias Neujahr
Unwavering commitment to kids
This year we celebrated the biggest 1-year-old on the block – our Children’s Tower! We cared for more kids than ever, from across 47 states and many from outside the U.S. We experienced double digit growth in the Tower and opened new amenities and clinical spaces designed just for kids and their families. And much like our patients – we are not done growing.
As our experts are caring for kids, they are also developing innovative ideas and discovering new treatments. We are excited to share more about novel gene therapies for sickle cell, enhanced capabilities to mend even the tiniest hearts, our commitment to treating the whole child and family and our exceptional outcomes – all driven by an unwavering commitment to quality, safety and the patient experience.
As we reflect on the highlights of 2024, we remain focused on continued growth of the people, programs and places that transform the lives of children and families across Virginia, and beyond.
Unwrapping an unbelievable first year in the Children’s Tower
April 30, 2024 marked 1 year of caring for kids in the Children’s Tower – and a remarkable year it was. Our teams cared for more patients than previously possible in our “hospital within a hospital” setting, adding up to thousands of families who were able to get lifesaving and life-changing medical treatment for their children.
First year at a glance:
Leading the way in gene therapy
As our experts are caring for kids, they’re also developing innovative ideas and discovering new treatments. Novel gene therapies are among the latest advancements our pediatric subspecialists are implementing in their care of patients with difficult diseases.
CHoR and VCU Health patient Walter Davis participated in the first cohort of a clinical trial that could revolutionize the future of sickle cell treatment. Dr. Beth Krieger, a pediatric hematology and oncology specialist at CHoR, led the gene therapy treatment.
Highlights from the heart
Dr. Brian Kogon joined the team as chief of congenital heart surgery at CHoR and a congenital heart surgeon at UVA Health Children’s. Through a collaboration with UVA Health Children’s, we’re ensuring families in Virginia have access to the best congenital heart surgery close to home.
CHoR by the numbers
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A letter from Lauren Moore
When the Children’s Tower opened in April 2023, we spoke about the many ways the new facility would empower our teams to provide better care to more children and families. In 2024, we were able to see that promise fulfilled. The Tower enabled double digit increases in acute care, emergency care and surgery, meaning our teams were helping more kids than ever. The patient experience also improved dramatically, demonstrated by the countless comments shared by families and the patient satisfaction scores we received. Shell space in the building continued to be built out, and we opened our electrophysiology lab and Child Life Zone to further enhance the services we provide. The impact of our community is profound and far-reaching, and none of these accomplishments would have been possible without our donors. On behalf of the 80,000 children we serve each year and the 2,000 team members who do that work every day, we thank you for being partners in our mission of providing the best possible pediatric health care to all families who need it.
About Children's Hospital FoundationDonor impact
Children's Hospital Foundation works to maximize philanthropic impact in children's health at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, driving excellence in patient care, education and research.
Fundraising designation
- $2.82 - Built for Kids, Built by You capital campaign
- $9.40 - Other restricted funds
- $5.16 - Unrestricted funds
Gift source
- 37% - Individuals
- 34% - Businesses and organizations
- 15% - Foundations
- 14% - Trust and estates
2024 by the numbers
Families travel for care at CHoR
The health of all children has been, and always will be, our mission and number one priority. In 2024, we saw patients from 47 states and Washington, D.C.
Clinical fast facts
Caring for the whole child and family
The hospital can be a scary place for kids and families. That’s why our team includes child life specialists, chaplains, social workers, art and music therapists, community volunteers and more who are dedicated to supporting the social and emotional well-being of the whole family.
Research spotlightNeonatal Intensive Care Unit
CHoR has long been a leader in pediatric medical care and our neonatal intensive care unit is a prime example.
Dr. Barry Kirkpatrick, who retired this year, established Central Virginia’s first NICU at MCV Hospitals, what is now CHoR, in the early 1970s. By 1986, it was one of the largest units on the East Coast, helping high-risk infants survive and grow into today’s adults.
As we commemorate half a century of caring for our smallest patients, we’re preparing to expand our Level 4 NICU again by adding 20 beds in the Children’s Tower. These will complement the 40 in the Critical Care Hospital, which will remain in operation where parents can be near their babies immediately following delivery.
Learn more about the NICU