Riley first came to CHoR as a 14-year-old, looking for hope and healing. Last month, she hit Capitol Hill as a 17-year-old advocate for the kids and teens who will seek similar care.
Riley’s parents describe her as naturally optimistic, self-motivated and kind. After experiencing trauma, she faced challenges she and her parents couldn’t have predicted. They needed help.
Since 2023, Riley has relied on CHoR, receiving care in our emergency department, as well as in the inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient mental health programs at our Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
“CHoR quickly become the wrap-around care both she and we needed for the non-linear journey characteristic of mental health progress,” said Riley’s mom, Jessica.
“My care has been exceptional. Every single person I interacted with cared about me and treated me as more than a diagnosis or the reason I was receiving treatment,” Riley added.
Clinical expertise is at the heart of why families come to CHoR, but our care for kids and families involves more than tests and treatments.
“Support showed up in authentic and present interactions at every metal detector scan and appointment check-in (yes, I know most of them by name and it’s clear they walk this journey alongside us), in an available on-site resource library, in a large window-filled space to sit, pray and breathe deeply during the hardest of days, in hugs of shared heartbreak over a child’s pain and also hugs in celebrations of each bit of traction gained and every step forward,” Jessica explained. “These aren’t job descriptions, this is CHoR.”
Being able to offer this care requires support both inside and well beyond our walls.
The transition from patient to political advocate with Children’s Hospital Association
Each year, CHoR participates in Children’s Hospital Association’s Family Advocacy Day, an event where children’s hospitals across the country invite patients to gather in Washington, D.C. and visit their respective representatives on Capitol Hill. The goal is to educate lawmakers about families’ experiences and advocate for policies that support children’s healthcare. One of the key goals this year was bringing awareness to the ongoing and growing need for pediatric mental health services.
A passionate young woman with a powerful story to tell, Riley was a perfect patient to represent CHoR – so we asked if she and her family would be willing.
“CHoR has been a trustworthy network of providers, encouragers and peers over the years. For our family, it was an easy yes,” said Jessica. “While we had very little understanding of the system we would soon have a hand in, our willingness to be transparent about our lived experiences promised to be enough.”
Putting a face to the importance of pediatric healthcare policy
On June 3-5, Riley, her parents and her two brothers joined a small group from CHoR for Family Advocacy Day – a mix of casual gatherings with other attendees and planned visits with congressional officials. They navigated the hallways of the congressional buildings to the offices of Representative Rob Wittman, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, Representative Eugene Vindman and Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, sharing their personal journey of receiving care in a children’s hospital and accessing critical pediatric mental health services. Most importantly, they put a face to the important issues on which these leaders can have a lasting impact.
“The experience was infinitely better than I could have expected,” recalled Riley. “Everyone with Children’s Hospital Association and on the Hill was so kind. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so thankful for all the individuals that made it happen. So many outstanding memories were made along the way!”
Each moment was also an opportunity.
“The breadth of perspective and understanding we gained in conversations amongst our VCU cohort and congressional staff opened our eyes to the direct impact small changes on the Hill can have on families needing access to the kind of care we have received, especially in times of crisis,” Jessica added. “Hands-down, my favorite part was witnessing Riley’s confident advocacy and relationship building as she balanced the opportunity to serve the greater good and to celebrate the work that is already being done.”
Riley hopes her participation will inspire positive change in healthcare policy and ultimately the experiences of future patients at CHoR and across the country. While it may not be evident today, or even next month, her time and efforts were undoubtedly well spent – and may even propel additional efforts.
“For sure, Riley’s advocacy journey is in its infancy. Her life continues to be a testimony and as her family, we will continue to walk forward with open arms to give and receive what lays ahead,” said Mom.